After the departure of Vincent-Philippe of SERT, Greg Black et Etienne Masson are now joined by Xavier Siméon. The Belgian rider, who was still riding in MotoGP in 2018 on a Ducati, will therefore complete the team led by Damien Saulnier from the next 24 Hours of Le Mans, on April 18 and 19.
Its victory at the 2019 Bol d'Or and its 5th place at the 8 Hours of Sepang in December placed the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team at the top of the provisional standings for the 2019-2020 World Endurance Championship. The Suzuki factory team has won 15 world crowns so far, including its last title in 2016.
Xavier Siméon is ready to support the team as it seeks to win the world crown once again. The Belgian rider was very fast in 2019 in the saddle of the Yamaha VRD Igol Pierret Experiences, and is among the 10 fastest riders in the paddock.
After winning the Superstock 1000 World Cup in 2009, Xavier Siméon was one of the leaders of Moto2 from 2010 to 2017, even beating our Johann zarco national by 0.083 to magnificently win the German Grand Prix in 2015 (perhaps Xavier's finest race). Then he moved to MotoGP in 2018, on a Ducati from the Avintia team.
He has already made a brief foray into the World Endurance Championship as a replacement driver for the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team at the 24 2008 Heures Motos.
On the other hand, Belgian drivers are not unknown to SERT, Richard Hubin having won the world title in 1983 with Hervé Moineau, and with Dominique Méliand's team.
According to Xavier Siéon, new SERT pilot, “ In 2008, I hadn't really thought about getting into endurance running. I was a Superstock rider at Suzuki Alstare and Dominique Méliand asked me to come in fourth position at Le Mans and the Bol d'Or. I accepted because SERT has always been close to my heart and the ultimate endurance team in my eyes – my father rode for them back in the day. »
“SERT has made endurance racing history, but my current commitment to the team is totally different. When Damien and Suzuki France made me this offer, I jumped at the chance. SERT is the number one team and joining them is a fantastic opportunity for me. »
“I can bring my speed, but my two teammates are equally fast and experienced. So it will be up to me to learn from them how to manage an endurance race to achieve victory. »
According to Damien Saulnier, team manager of the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, “Xavier’s experience in Moto2 and MotoGP will give us new impetus. »
“His ability to analyze the bike and his experience as a development rider with Dunlop are two other positive points. He knows Etienne and Gregg very well, so it will be an exciting adventure. »
The new trio of Suzuki Endurance Racing Team drivers will be on track in Spain in mid-February for their first test series of 2020.
Australian GP 2018
