The FSBK caravan stops at Nogaro (32) on April 28 and 29. Organized by the ASM Armagnac Bigorre under the supervision of the French Motorcycling Federation, the 2rd stage of the season will allow the leaders to assert themselves and the challengers to respond: the race for the title is well and truly underway!
SUPERBIKE: GUARNONI ON THE RIGHT TRACK?
After taking 53 points out of 54 possible at Le Mans, Jérémy GUARNONI (Kawasaki) presents himself as the big favorite at Nogaro. For good reason, the driver of the #111 Kawasaki will be keen to shine at home where he holds the lap record. However, nothing is decided, Kenny FORAY (BMW) seems to be in good shape, he was the only one able to contest the victory of the resident of Team Tech Solutions on the Bugatti circuit. The reigning Champion intends to defend his crown against the provisional leader.
Also a BMW driver, Matthieu LUSSIANA stood out by taking the 3rd step of the podium during the second round at Le Mans. He does not intend to stop there and is responding to the call of the Gers circuit.
A real surprise for the newcomer in Superbike, Morgan BERCHET (Yamaha) won his first podium in the premier category following a pole position acquired under the noses of all the favorites. The Yamaha rider quickly found his feet after winning the Superbike Challenger class in 2017.
Slightly set back, David PERRET (Honda) has not yet had time to fine-tune the settings of its new bike. However, a notable improvement should be taken into account between the Saturday tests and the Sunday races during the Le Mans stage. The Angevin driver started the morning and afternoon from 13th place and finished 7th and 9th at the finish line, encouraging results for the 2017 French vice-Champion. The same goes for the member of the CMS team, Axel MAURIN (Yamaha) who regularly occupies the leading places in Superbike.
Within the premier category, the members of Team Suzuki LMS did not shine at home, Louis ROSSI and Alex SARRABAYROUSE will have to work harder in Nogaro to not fall behind.
Conversely, Hugo CLERE (Suzuki LMS) impresses in the Superbike Challenger, the driver of the No. 11 Suzuki dominated the debates in the category, even allowing himself to be a troublemaker at the top of the scratch rankings, what does he have in store for the future?
Gabriel PONS (Kawasaki) and Maxime BONNOT (BMW) respectively complete the 2rd and 3rdranks of the provisional classification, which makes them good clients in the race for the title. Randy PAGAUD (Yamaha) was not unworthy either, watch out for him!
SUPERSPORT – PIRELLI 600 TROPHY: THE FAVORITES AT THE MEETING
Riding his Yamaha No. 3, Louis BULLE announces the color from the start of the season with an unstoppable double. Behind him, Clement STOLL (Triumph), positions itself as a serious competitor to block its path. The driver, who is receiving help from the Michelin firm this season, confided after the race that the heat of the South will be more suitable for his tires: the paddock is waiting for him around the corner!
Following mixed results in timed tests, the 2017 French Champion, Cédric TANGRE(Suzuki) was not able to compete with the BULLE – STOLL duo. A point of detail that he will hasten to rectify in Nogaro.
Ex-Moto3 rider, Enzo BOULOM (Yamaha) took advantage of a Wild-Card to show his efficiency at Le Mans, he emerged crowned with a 3rd place. This is now the target of its pursuers, Guillaume ANTIGA (Yamaha), Kevin LONGEARET (Yamaha) and Guillaume POT (Yamaha) who wish to show that the podium is within the reach of their talent.
On the Pirelli 600 Trophy side, Gaëtan MATERN (Kawasaki) took advantage of the error of Dylan MILLE (Yamaha), although very lively, to take the reins of the ranking. Considering the homogeneous level of the two drivers, a change of order within the hierarchy seems possible.
First outing, first podium for Joris INGIULLA (Yamaha)! The winner of the Objectif Grand-Prix Pré-Moto3 formula last year marks a start to the season that bodes well for the rest of the hostilities. Valentin GRIMOUX (Yamaha) completes the provisional top 3 of the Championship, can he do better?
GRAND PRIX OBJECTIVE – PRE MOTO3: FIRE AND AMBITION FOR YOUNG CHAMPIONS
After gaining the upper hand twice over his opponents, Marceau LAPIERRE (Yamaha Beon) made his mark at the start of the season. However, we will have to be wary of Line VIEILLARD (Yamaha) who was able to seize her chance at Le Mans, the top female athlete in the category is letting her desire for “podiums” and “victories” shine through for the rest of the season.
Same observation and ambitions for Marius HENRY (Honda) and Ilan PERON (Moriwaki) who hope to relive the joy of crossing the finish line in the top 3.
Fate fell hard on Alexis BOUDIN (Beon Yamaha) at Le Mans. Despite a fall and a technical problem, the rider of the Yamaha n°6 only thinks about bouncing back and taking his revenge. See you on April 28 to count the points!
SIDE-CAR: REDISTRIBUTION OF CARDS!
The Side-Car category had to do without the 2017 Champion, Sébastien DELANNOY being absent, the contenders for victory showed their teeth. In F1, the LEGLISE / OLLIGER duo was the first to win and seems to be on point. Another force present, OUGER / PEUGEOT won the second race: which of Side n°33 or 88 will lay down the law?
In the race for the podium we also find the family duo VINET / VINET and the GALLERNE / CHAIGNEAU pair who will make the powder speak among the fastest “3 wheels” in France on the Paul Armagnac circuit.
On the 600cc side, the “Wild-Card” leader of the 1st stage, STREUER / ROUSSEAU is no longer in the game. It's the turn of LE BAIL / LEVEAU, untouchable at Le Mans by taking the 2 victories of the weekend, to take on the role of favorite. Slightly behind but tenacious, the female duo LEBLOND / FARNIER must raise their voice to reach the side of the leaders. Be careful, however, not to be surprised by the LELIAS / VASSEUR crew.
FOLLOW THE FRENCH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP
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
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