Resumption of the 2018 French Superbike Championship with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) on the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans under the aegis of the French Motorcycling Federation. The 37rd edition of the FSBK lets the horses loose on March 31 and 1er Next April. 7 stages will allow the FSBK pilots to decide between themselves throughout the season: gas!
SUPERBIKE: GREAT BATTLES ON THE PROGRAM
For the second season in a row, the Superbike and Superbike Challenger categories return to the FSBK asphalt with a view to awarding 2 titles to the best 1000cc riders.
After dominating the 2017 Superbike season, the French Champion Kenny FORAY puts his title on the line. Riding the No. 1 BMW within Team Tecmas, there is no doubt that the driver will be keen to shine and conquer, once again, the premier category title. However, the road to consecration will be long with many drivers in search of victory like David PERRET. Runner-up last year, he changed his mount and now rides a Honda. Another member of the top riders, Axel MAURIN (Yamaha) presents himself as a serious rival for this new season. Following good results resulting in a final ranking at the foot of the podium, the Yamaha rider has serious ambitions for 2018.
Newcomer to Superbike, Alex SARRABAYROUSE, winner of the Coupe de France Promosport 1000, wears the colors of the Suzuki LMS team. This is a definite asset for the team which also counts Louis ROSSI in its ranks. The winner of the 2012 French Grand Prix in Moto3 is also involved in the entire 2018 Championship after spending two years in the World Endurance Championship in 2016 and 2017. He intends to showcase his talent for shine at the highest French level.
Following a few notable appearances last year, Jeremy GUARNONI takes back the reins of Team Tech-Solutions' Kawasaki, this time for the entire Championship. He is, for sure, one of the drivers to watch in the fight for victory in the same way as Matthieu LUSSIANA (BMW) known within the paddock for his exploits on the international scene.
Back in FSBK, Erwan NIGON could also disrupt the plans of the favorite drivers. Already crowned French Champion in 2010 and Vice-Champion in 2011 among the “big guys” in the 1000cc category.
Ambassador of the Italian brand, and emblematic figure of the French championship, David MUSCAT, continues to trust his Ducati to travel the French circuits. Champion of the Superbike Challenger in 2017, Morgan BERCHET (Yamaha) is gaining ground and will try to shake up the hierarchy in Superbike with Team PMR.
Note, for the first event, Randy PAGAUD (Yamaha) and Billy CORNUT (Yamaha) will use a “Wild-Card” to thrill the Le Mans public.
On the Superbike Challenger side, after BERCHET's rise in category, it is Gabriel PONS (Kawasaki) who takes on the role of favorite. Winner of the final in Albi last year, he intends to continue this dynamic for the coming season.
Another living force of the paddock, Hugo CLERE (Suzuki LMS), 4rd of last season and Supersport Champion in 2016, is keen to prove the full extent of his talent. The Suzuki rider from Ain is a customer to be taken seriously who is now part of Damien Saulnier's Junior Team Suzuki LMS.
To watch closely: Maxime BONNOT (BMW) under the yoke of Team Tecmas, is ready to fight for the first places. Also back in the category, Jonathan HUGOT returns this time with Team CMS behind the counter of his Yamaha. Another rider from the brand in tune, Steven NEUMANN (Yamaha) responds to the call of the asphalt. Opponent and podium contender, Sébastien FRAGA will defend the colors of Honda.
SUPERSPORT / PIRELLI TROPHY: TOWARDS A NEW CROWN!
Cédric TANGRE (Suzuki), the 2017 French Champion will shine his colors among the best drivers in the world and... in France! Indeed, he returns with the knife between his teeth in FSBK but can he capture a 3rd title?
The question highlights a sensitive subject in the Supersport category where there are many contenders for the title. Second last year, Louis BULLE (Yamaha) acts as headliner, the Yamaha rider intends to move up a gear after the departure of his biggest rival. However, we must not neglect the competition which will be tough…
After a very good season and a 3rd place in the general classification, the Triumph driver, Clement STOLL, reveals himself as the true “outsider” and begins the hunt at the Le Mans stage where he took 3rd place in 2017.
For his part, Guillaume ANTIGA (Yamaha) convinced last year, notably thanks to his victory on the Pau Arnos circuit. Everything suggests that he is able to confirm his good form in 2018.
Accustomed to brilliant moments, Stéphane FROSSARD (Yamaha) will have to gain in consistency to compete for the final podium. Maximilien BAU (Yamaha), for his part, stood out on a few podiums last year and even fought for victory on the Circuit Carole: can we count on him to put on a show this year?
Watch out for Félix PERON (Yamaha) and Hugo CASADESUS (Honda) who could also have their say, as the progress of these 2 drivers in recent seasons has been dazzling.
The Supersport category will also welcome a new rider from the Coupes de France Promosport: Guillaume POT (Yamaha). Winner in Promosport 600 the previous season, the rider of the No. 69 Yamaha is now measuring himself against the best in the category. With a single appearance synonymous with a podium finish last year, the Yamaha rider's ambitions seem very clear!
A feeling which also seems to be shared by Guillaume RAYMOND (Yamaha) who moved up a level after winning the Pirelli 600 Trophy.
As such, in the Supersport subcategory, the way seems clear! With the reigning Champion gone, who from Gaëtan MATERN (Kawasaki), Dylan MILLE (Yamaha) or Valentin GRIMOUX (Yamaha) will take the reins of the category? In this context of renewal of the field, Joris INGIULLA (Yamaha), French Vice-Champion in Pre-Moto 3 last year, moves up to the 600cc: his rivals are waiting for him from the first turn of the Dunlop Curve!
GRAND PRIX OBJECTIVE – FRENCH PRE-MOTO 3 CHAMPIONSHIP
The Objective Grand Prix formula, French Pre-Moto3 Championship, is back for its third year, always with the objective of identifying the seeds of Champions. The “junior” Championship has found its place in the paddock and among the spectators, this season 20 drivers are entered. The first two in the final ranking last year having committeds in the 600cc, we will have to count on Charles AUBRIE (Over Yamaha) to win the title.
After several podiums and even a victory for Carole, the worthy representative of the female gender, Line VIEILLARD (Yamaha), intends to make her opponents bite the asphalt!
SIDE CAR: DOMINATION OR CHANGE?
We take the same and start again ? Will the domination of DELANNOY / ROUSSEAU ever end? The red and white Side adorned with its No. 1 will return to the track with a new “monkey” in the person of Emmanuelle CLEMENT who signed several successful freelances in 2017.
What if, this year, the LEGLISE / OLLIGER pair were able to play for victory? The good results in 2017, including a victory at Lédenon and Albi, give good hope to the Side Car “young” duo.
How can we talk about sidecar drivers without mentioning the MOREAU / GADET pair? The two friends separate for this new season, MOREAU remains a pilot with BRICHARD in his basket while GADET takes the handlebars of an F1 in the company of SALMON.
Change of category for BARBIER / CROCHEMORE which now comes up against the big cars. Never shy of good results, the father and son family duo VINET / VINET is already preparing its Side for the Le Mans stage, the spirit and passion for speed are certainly present among the VINETs!
On the 600cc side, the LEBLOND / FARNIER duo constantly aims for podiums during their appearances on the FSBK. After a year congested by several stages in the World Championship and the Tourist Trophy, can the 100% female duo return to the top? However, watch out for the fervent competitor, HICKS / FENOY CASAS who will be able to put his two cents into the “3 wheels” table!
HONDA CBR 500 AND EUROPEAN BIKES STILL ON THE TRACK
The winged manufacturer renews for the 5rd edition of the Honda CBR 500 R Cup. Intended for young talents, this category attracted the interest of 23 drivers including a “Wild-Card” for this opening at Le Mans. After having fought a firm battle with Antoine CHAPEAU, will Bryan CASTAN succeed in winning the title this year?
The Gentlemen Riders and their European machines, Aprilia, Ducati, BMW and KTM will also be at the party to arouse the public's pleasure.
FOLLOW THE CHAMPIONNAT DE FRANCE SUPERBIKE
Fsbk.fr, the website dedicated to the French Superbike Championship, always offers live coverage of everything that happens during the weekend, detailed information, photos, results, videos, etc.
For this 2018 season, the FFM will broadcast each evening of the event a video of the best moments of the day on the official fsbk Facebook page and the fsbk.fr website.
Other events will punctuate the weekend through a system specifically focused on social networks via Twitter: @FSBK_officiel, Facebook: fsbk, Youtube: ffmfbk and Instagram: fsbk
CALENDAR 2018
31/03–01/04 LE MANS (72) – ASM 24H ACO
28–29/04 – NOGARO (32) – ASM Armagnac Bigorre
16–17/06 – LEDENON (30) – MC Ledenon
30/06–01/07 – MAGNY-COURS (58) – MC Nevers and Nièvre
14–15/07 – PAU ARNOS (64) – MC Pau Arnos
25–26/08 – CAROLE (93) – MC Motors Events
22–23/09 – ALBI (81) – MCC Albi
