At 43, Sylvain Guintoli hasn't lost any of his fire. A 2014 Superbike World Champion, BMW test rider, global endurance icon, and renowned consultant on TNT Sports, the Frenchman continues to juggle between circuits, studios, and paddocks. And despite rumors of retirement, he's adamant: racing remains his life.
« I heard I was going to quit, but I love racing. If you can still fight for victory, why would you stop? It's the best job in the world! » he comments on crash.net.
The mental strength of Guintoli commands respect. He went through a tragic ordeal with the loss of his son Luca. A tragedy which, paradoxically, has strengthened him even more.
« The last two years have been very difficult. Seeing how brave my son was deeply inspired me.. I have five other children, and I want them to see that you have to keep fighting, no matter what.. Luca was an amazing boy, and Running is also my way of paying homage to him »
This resilience translated onto the track: the Frenchman had one of his best seasons in endurance, multiplying records and solid performances.
« I've never been as fast as this year ", he says. “At Le Mans, I led from the start, I broke the lap record at Spa… This circuit is magical. I love it »
Since joining BMW, Guintoli plays a key role on two levels: WorldSBK test rider and official rider of the EWC program.
« In Superbike, the goal was to help the factory win the title, and with Toprak, it's clearly on the right track. “, he explains. “ In endurance, our goal was to make the team a title contender. We achieved it, even if the mechanics have sometimes betrayed us »
Between an exhaust problem at Le Mans, a breakdown at Suzuka, and an engine failure at the Bol d'Or, the title slipped away in the final minutes. But the performance remains.
Sylvain Guintoli: “ I like speed, I like noise, I like adrenaline. It's my life. And as long as my heart beats for it, I won't let go.. »
« The speed was there, and we delivered. Working on both BMW programs was exciting. »
A contract extension is under consideration for 2026, both in testing and endurance. And Guintoli doesn't rule anything out: " I am super motivated to be part of an exciting project and keep winning »
For several years, Guintoli has established himself as one of the most respected voices in British MotoGP. His calm demeanor, technical analysis, and intimate knowledge of the paddock have earned him a central role on TNT Sports.
« The TV crew is like a second family for meThere's incredible chemistry, both on and off set. They've been very supportive of me over the past few years. »
And the French find a precious balance there: “ Being on TV is completely different, but it's a privilege. Continuing to ride makes me a better analyst, because I know exactly what the riders are going through.These roles complement each other perfectly. »
From his Grand Prix debut to his Superbike world title, including his key role in the development of Michelin MotoGP tires with Suzuki, Sylvain Guintoli has experienced it all.
And yet, he retains the same spark he had when he was 20. I'll retire when I'm flat. As long as I can ride fast, learn, and fight, I'll keep going. »
Between pain, performance and pure passion, Sylvain Guintoli embodies today a rare authenticity in motorcycle sport: that of a man who has nothing more to prove, but still everything to live.
« I like speed, I like noise, I like adrenaline. It's my life. And as long as my heart beats for it, I won't let go.. » Nice conclusion.
