MotoGP Austria 2, Exclusive interview with Sylvain Guintoli: “Mir and Suzuki in the lead before the flames”

The start of this season was difficult for Suzuki, with 0 points at the finish of the Spanish GP, then regular progression with 11 points in Andalusia, 13 in the Czech Republic and 20 in Austria. Joan mir stood on the podium for the first time in MotoGP with second place in the Austrian GP. The 3 Moto2017 World Champion (on a Leopard Racing Honda) finished fifth last year at Phillip Island, then again this year at the Andalusian GP.

Alex Rins was unable to participate in the Spanish GP at the start of the season due to a dislocation of his right shoulder and a broken humerus, then crashed during the Austrian GP. Sylvain Guintoli, who has just announced the launch of his personal channel on Youtube, participated very actively in the development of the current GSX-RR. Even though there are no wildcards allowed this year, that in no way stopped “Guinters” from closely following the Styrian Grand Prix last weekend.

Video: Good Start by Joan Mir

Joan Mir was in the lead when the race was stopped at the red flag. In your opinion, why was he not able to win the second part of the GP?

“He kept the same front tire because he no longer had any in stock. The quantity of tires is limited for each weekend, for the total envelopes, but also by tire type*. »

“His start to the race was perfect, when he passed in front and was able to set his pace. On a circuit like this, when on a shorter race the V4s can switch to soft tires and thus make a race a little more sprinty, he was certain that it was not to his advantage. »

“It was really unlucky for him because he had a very good weekend. Oliveira deserved to win this race, but so did Joan. It made my heart ache for him, but it bodes well for the future. »

*Special thanks Piero Taramasso, Director of motorcycle competition at Michelin, who tells us that “At the start Mir was riding in medium front and medium rear. Then for the 2nd run he kept the same front and he put on a new rear medium. »

Joan Mir estimated that before this Grand Prix, something had been unlocked in him. What did this correspond to, according to you who know him very well?

“Joan is a rider who is actually very talented, and very willing on the machine. He's a young driver who doesn't realize his talent, in fact (laugh). Some young pilots have neither the arrogance nor the maximum self-confidence. He recently realized he could be a boss. And it has everything you need for that. He is one of the great pilots. »

Your launch control (starting system) seems very effective?

“It works really well. The bike starts very well naturally. We have a very good initial strategy. Alex, already last year, often won one or two lines at the start. Joan is also now going like a bullet. The launch works very well, which is super important, because you don't do the same race depending on whether you are third or thirteenth in the first corner. »

Do you have any tests planned?

“There are dates that are in the calendar, but Europeans cannot travel to Japan, and vice versa. For the moment there are ideas, but we are still waiting before confirming. »

Video: Joan Mir qualified on the front line

Were you optimistic on Saturday following free practice for the last GP, with Mir in first position?

" Of course ! Very optimistic. Even for Álex, who always pulls rabbits out of the hat during races. Many riders, like Andrea Dovizioso, considered the Suzukis favorites. The whole team – drivers – motorcycles worked well. It almost did…”

Video: Best time in free practice for Joan Mir:

For many, on the Red Bull Ring, the GSX-RR was the best bike, the most consistent in the field. How do you see its future in the next races?

“We were already consistent last year, but the new chassis is even better and the engine a step above. In the “dragster” part of the circuit, the Suzuki did not do much for the V4s. It was a step forward from last year. The Suzuki was far ahead of the other inline 4 in engine power, the Yamaha. »

And without breaking.

“And without breaking. And we saw in the last part of the circuit that the management of power delivery was really effective. »

“It is true that at the start of the year, before the season started, we were worried, because two consecutive races at the Red Bull Ring really favored the V4s. Whereas this was not the case. At least not for the Suzuki, which was, as you said, the most homogeneous bike. We have a top bike and a very good team. Joan is on top and Álex will ride much better when his injury is healed. He will have two weeks to rest, which will work in his favor. »

With Bruno Vecchioni, private secretary and great friend of Sylvain. Below, Guintoli during testing.

Video: Heat it up!

Video : Silvan presents his channel:

Video: Joan Mir, then leading FP4:

Photos © Suzuki, Sylvain Guintoli personal