[Supersport] Exclusive interview with Christophe Guyot (GMT94) “This is our first podium in the World Speed ​​Championship”

At the end of the three qualifying practice sessions combined, the domination of the Yamahas was clear with Randy Krummenacher (Bardahl Evans Bros) ahead of Thomas Gradinger (Kallio Racing), Federico Caricasulo (Bardahl Evans Bros) and Jules Cluzel (GMT94 Yamaha) who preceded Raffaele de Rosa's MV Agusta F3 675. Corentin Perolari (GMT94 Yamaha) who discovered the track ranked ninth out of twenty-four, which was more than fair on a track like that of Phillip Island.

Caricasulo, Krummenacher and Cluzel formed the first row of the starting grid at the end of the Superpole, while Perolari was fourteenth. Jules moved into second position after the first lap of the race, and Corentin tenth.

Jules was subsequently penalized 1.365 for leaving the pits too early (there is a minimum time allowed), but his main opponent Caricasulo was unable to take advantage and had to remain third after starting from his pit with his rear stand unexpectedly hooked. on the motorbike.

This first race of the year was therefore positive for Jules cluzel with a good second place, as well as for the rookie Corentin Perolari with a very honest seventh position. Between leaving the circuit and entering Melbourne airport, Christophe Guyot gave us an update on this southern weekend for the GMT94 Yamaha team.

What is your overall assessment of this first race of the year in Australia?

“The Yamahas of the Bardahl Evans Bros team of Randy Krummenacher and Federico Caricasulo performed better here. But Jules Cluzel was very strong. He knows that you don't win a championship by winning all the races but by collecting points when you are not the strongest. We achieved our first podium in the World Speed ​​Championship. Jules leaves with 20 points. It’s a real satisfaction.”

Jules Cluzel's race was full of emotion. What about his penalty?

“We had trained a lot. But Jules crossed the pit exit line with a little more than two tenths in advance. He was distracted with Randy Krummenacher right in front of him. The penalty is 5 times the time saved and it was 1'3''. »

How was Corentin Perolari learning the Phillip Island circuit, who finished seventh?

“Learning was more difficult than usual. We had a difficult week with 5 sick mechanics and Corentin was not spared. He was then unlucky with having to return to the pits at the start due to insufficient rear tire pressure. He subsequently completed a magnificent race. Starting last, he finished in seventh position. It's awesome. He can be proud of himself.”

Did the obligation to change tires with a maximum of ten revolutions modify the result?

" Yes. Federico Caricasulo lost second place to Jules due to a rear stand which caused him to lose time in the pit lane.

Can the hierarchy that began to take shape at Phillip Island be shaken up in the next race at Buriram?

" It is difficult to answer this question. We will have a better view after FP1 in Thailand. Phillip Island is such a unique route that I am tempted to say yes. But the level is even higher this year.

“This year Jules achieved the time which had placed Lucas Mahias on pole last year. He found himself third, almost 5 tenths behind Féderico Caricasulo. We therefore have important details to improve on our Yamaha R6 and they cannot be improved before Aragon.

“Aiming for the podium will of course remain the objective for Jules. The top 5 for Corentin is entirely possible. This would be the best way to arrive strong before the European races. But if we can do better, we will! »

Video: Corentin Perolari’s pit stop

Race results:

Photos © GMT94 Yamaha Racing