Post by wardourdrive on Oct 12, 2009 19:28:57 GMT
Suzuki GB and the Crescent British Superbike Team have today (Monday) confirmed an agreement that will see current Worx Suzuki British Superbike rider Sylvain Guintoli, switch places with fans' favourite Yukio Kagayama to move to the Alstare Suz...uki World Superbike team for the 2010 season.
Guintoli, who recently signed a contract to remain with Worx Crescent Suzuki in BSB for 2010, moves to the world series after Suzuki factory bosses and the Alstare team witnessed his impressive performances in the Superbike class during the 2009 season, with BSB once again acting as a platform for riders to move on to the world stage.
Kagayama returns to BSB after five seasons in WSB, securing 16 podiums including four wins after he made the switch. The former Rizla Suzuki rider had two seasons in BSB, finishing third in the 2004 BSB Championship after battles with team-mate and champion John Reynolds and Michael Rutter. Kagayama made an instant impression last time he raced in BSB; taking a podium finish in his debut race when he finished second at Silverstone. In his two year stint in BSB he took eleven podium finishes and a further seven race wins with the team.
Suzuki GB managing director, Yasuharu Osawa said: "Sylvain has proven to be an incredible asset for Suzuki this year, despite his unfortunate injury early on. We want to support Sylvain's career while also doing what is best for the Suzuki family, so following Alstare's request we have unanimously agreed for him to move to World SBK for the 2010 season. We would like to thank the BSB team sponsors, especially Worx, for their complete support in this decision."
Worx Crescent Suzuki team manager, Jack Valentine added: "To have Yukio back in the UK is great news. He is still a class act and was incredibly popular with UK fans during his two year stint in the series last time. He is as determined as ever and will be back here with one goal in mind - to challenge for the title. Our decision to run two riders in 2010 is also good news for the BSB Championship, for Suzuki and for all of our partners."
While the Worx Crescent Suzuki team have confirmed their two rider 2010 championship assault, confirmation of the full rider line-up will be confirmed at a later date.
Guintoli, who recently signed a contract to remain with Worx Crescent Suzuki in BSB for 2010, moves to the world series after Suzuki factory bosses and the Alstare team witnessed his impressive performances in the Superbike class during the 2009 season, with BSB once again acting as a platform for riders to move on to the world stage.
Kagayama returns to BSB after five seasons in WSB, securing 16 podiums including four wins after he made the switch. The former Rizla Suzuki rider had two seasons in BSB, finishing third in the 2004 BSB Championship after battles with team-mate and champion John Reynolds and Michael Rutter. Kagayama made an instant impression last time he raced in BSB; taking a podium finish in his debut race when he finished second at Silverstone. In his two year stint in BSB he took eleven podium finishes and a further seven race wins with the team.
Suzuki GB managing director, Yasuharu Osawa said: "Sylvain has proven to be an incredible asset for Suzuki this year, despite his unfortunate injury early on. We want to support Sylvain's career while also doing what is best for the Suzuki family, so following Alstare's request we have unanimously agreed for him to move to World SBK for the 2010 season. We would like to thank the BSB team sponsors, especially Worx, for their complete support in this decision."
Worx Crescent Suzuki team manager, Jack Valentine added: "To have Yukio back in the UK is great news. He is still a class act and was incredibly popular with UK fans during his two year stint in the series last time. He is as determined as ever and will be back here with one goal in mind - to challenge for the title. Our decision to run two riders in 2010 is also good news for the BSB Championship, for Suzuki and for all of our partners."
While the Worx Crescent Suzuki team have confirmed their two rider 2010 championship assault, confirmation of the full rider line-up will be confirmed at a later date.