Sylvain Guintoli says he will be trying some new updates to his PATA Honda CBR1000RR this weekend as he seeks a return to podium contention at Donington Park. The world champion has struggled in the defence of his title so far but given that he’s based less than half an hour away from the circuit, Guintoli admits it would be the best possible time to change his fortunes.
“We managed to salvage something in race one at Imola and took some positives from that, but we were quite a bit off the pace and we still have some steps to make so I can ride the CBR the way I’d like. We’ve got some new things to try this weekend at Donington though, and it’s really good that the team is working so hard and responding so positively. I really like the Donington track, especially the fast rhythm of the first part and, although some other riders don’t like the back section, I see it as a couple of good overtaking opportunities and a lot of fun. I’ve had some good races at Donington in the past and it’s always nice to be racing at ‘home’ with my family close by. There will be a lot of friends coming to support this weekend so let’s hope we can put on a bit of a show for them”.
Despite picking up the team’s only podiums so far, teammate Michael van der Mark has had a mixed season and trails Guintoli by nine points. Despite suffering at Imola, the Dutch rookie heads to Donington in confident mood.
“I really like the Donington Park circuit and I’m looking forward to going back there this weekend. I had a pretty good result there last year and I’m hoping it will suit the CBR a little better. The first part is really fast and free-flowing and a lot of fun, but we’ll have to work hard to get the bike working in the last part with the two hairpins. I’m still a rookie and still learning to ride a superbike but it would be good to get back to a position where we can fight for the podium on Sunday.”
