Winner of the British Grand Prix in 2010 on a Forward Racing Suter Moto2, Cluzel placed second in the World Superbike at Silverstone in 2013 on Suzuki. It is the Supersport category which has been the most successful for him with 17 victories, 40 podiums and 20 pole positions in 69 starts. After finishing second three times and third twice in the Supersport World Championship, Jules continues the great adventure and aims for the 2019 title in the GMT94.
What determined the choice of GMT94 rather than another team?
“This is the result of discussions between Éric Mahé (editor’s note: Jules’ manager) et Christophe Guyot. It was in the back of my mind and finally it was possible. I am very happy to join the GMT94 team. »
How do you feel within your new team? What are the positive points?
“For the moment, I haven't worked with them yet, even if Christophe gave us a helping hand this year in Portugal. I could see that they were very serious. It made me dream a bit of seeing them next to us regularly, and in my head I said to myself that I would really like to ride with them.
“Christophe is a cool guy, whom I have known for years and he manages his structure very well, which is very serious and well organized. On top of that, there is a fairly relaxed atmosphere, while still being professional, which is super important. I think this is the key to success in Supersport. »
Compared to the Yamaha R6 that you had this year within the NRT team, what are the major differences with the one you will ride next year for the GMT94?
“The engine, I think, as well as certain technical choices. But there won't be a huge difference. I had a very good bike, the Yamaha is a very good machine, and I'm really happy to continue a second year on such a bike.
“In 2018, I lacked driving. I didn't do a single kilometer in the test session (excluding race weekends) and so I didn't feel 100% on this bike. I won 5 races, but I wasn't comfortable and I know we can do better.
“So doing a second year on the R6 and doing testing sessions, it’s going to be a different story. I am really looking forward to tackling this adventure in a calm and professional manner.”
How do you assess the adversity, both on the riders and the bikes, for 2019?
“To tell the truth, I don't worry too much about the competition. Racing on a Yamaha was my goal and I'm happy it happened. There will be some very good drivers, that's for sure, but I can't talk about them yet. I focus on my goal and my experience.
“I am continuing the work done in recent years which has been quite good. I just need to be happy about it, to have a little less blank results and a little more success. »
When do you start testing?
“Normally at the end of January. »
What do you think of Corentin Pérolari as a teammate?
" It's cool ! He's a young guy who's fun and drives fast. I helped him quite a bit at the end of the year. I liked it because of this atmosphere with the GMT, with Christophe Guyot. I too might need Corentin at the end of the season. It was quite cool and I think that Christophe's objective is also that I allow Corentin to progress. He is heading towards his first podiums and he will get there, that's for sure.
“It would be the first time that I would have a fast teammate with a good atmosphere, because I am there to help him, and that can also help me to be disciplined. Plus he can also take points from my opponents, so that's good. »
How do you feel, in general, about the evolution of the Supersport World Championship?
“I'm not necessarily the best placed to say it but in my opinion the Supersport Championship is by far the most exciting championship. This is what was the case in 2018. Unfortunately we are a little behind in the media, but I am concentrating, I am doing what I love to do. I ride the 600 which are motorcycles that I like.
“We can see that the Superbike seems to be moving in the right direction with manufacturers who are a little more interested in the category, I have the impression. The races should be more and more interesting, and I hope from 2019.”
Photos © GMT94
