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Sylvain Guintoli was ready to replace John Hopkins in Fixi Crescent Suzuki next season - they actually signed a final contract at Magny Cours - however the French rider has turned around and reneged on his commitment, seemingly having gotten a better offer from another manufacturer - apparently Aprilia.
Guintoli - who was on the receiving end of a contract dispute with Effenbert Liberty half way through the season and walked out to end up with Pata Racing - has left Paul Denning’s team high and dry, and forced to call in at the last minute Australian Superbike champion Josh Waters to replace him and join Leon Camierin the three-day SBK test that starts today at the Motorland Aragon circuit.
To explain the situationPaul Denning was forced to issue the following press release (after the jump).
At the present it is uknown which SBK team Guintoli is negotiating with, but the name Aprilia has somewhat further reinforced the rumors that Max Biaggi may be retiring, however Biaggi and Gigi dall’Igna will be sitting down at the end of the Aragon test (Biaggi is present) to hammer out a new deal.
Fixi Crescent Suzuki press release
Following recent media coverage regarding FIXI Crescent Suzuki and Sylvain Guintoli’s 2013 plans, the UK-based Suzuki World Superbike team would like to make the following statement.
Crescent came to a full and final agreement with Guintoli for him to join the team for 2013 on a one-year contract. After detailed discussion and amendments, the contract was signed at Magny-Cours by Guintoli and Team Principal Paul Denning. Guintoli made a lengthy and positive press interview regarding his decision to join the FIXI Crescent Suzuki squad, and engaged in a detailed meeting with Crescent’s engineers regarding bike set-up and specific test items for the Aragon test starting today (Monday 15th October).
Despite this clear and obvious commitment, Crescent now understands that Guintoli has since received an alternative offer from a rival manufacturer. He has told Crescent that he wants to consider this offer in detail and that he is now unable to commit to the Aragon test or to the agreement made with Crescent. Despite the obvious turmoil and potential damages created by these actions, Crescent has taken the decision to move forward and to simply release Guintoli from any obligations for the forthcoming season.
Following these developments, FIXI Crescent Suzuki and the newly re-signed Leon Camier will now be joined at this week’s World Superbike test at Aragon in Spain by Suzuki’s Australian Superbike Champion Josh Waters.
The 25-year-old Australian from Mildura in the state of Victoria wrapped up his second Australian Superbike Championship this season - a title he’d also won in 2009 - and will make his debut for the FIXI Crescent Suzuki team in Spain during the three–day test.
FIXI Crescent Suzuki will assess its rider options over the next few days, and will naturally be considering Waters as a candidate following the test, which will allow both team and rider to have a closer understanding of the mutual potential.
Paul Denning – Team Principal:
“I am extremely disappointed and surprised by Sylvain’s lack of integrity and total lack of respect for the mutual commitments made. He is the last rider I would have expected to behave in such a way, especially as we have had a close professional and personal relationship previously. Our team has always tried to stand by the fundamental principle that you stick to what you’ve agreed to, and in the long run it’s always been the best policy. Sylvain clearly doesn’t feel the same way and is prepared to ignore a handshake, a gentleman’s agreement and indeed a written contract - and that’s a great shame.
“Our energies are now focused on looking forward to the positive opportunities we have as a team in 2013. We are delighted that Josh has been able to join us on such short notice to help us with our plans for next season - he’s had a very strong season with the Suzuki Australian Superbike team and he performed brilliantly for our partners, Yoshimura, in the Suzuka 8-Hour race. I am sure he will settle in with the crew quickly and we’re all looking forward to seeing how he goes! ”
