At the start of the season, the GMT94 had clearly displayed its ambitions for a World Supersport title with an attractive driver duo of Jules Cluzel and Federico Caricasulo. Two seasoned competitors in the category and the Yamaha R6. Only here, in motorcycle competition, we can always predict everything, except what is going to happen... After three meetings out of the twelve scheduled, Christophe Guyot's men certainly still remain in the race for the supreme reward, but in a fight in a melee from which we cannot yet say who will emerge victorious. Boss Christophe Guyot takes stock for Paddock-GP not only on his competition, but also on other subjects that deserve attention…
Christophe Guyot would have undoubtedly hoped for a more comfortable scenario at the end of the first three meetings of the year in WSS. But the competition was tough with, in particular, an accident for its leading driver Jules cluzel who fortunately escaped unscathed. For his part, his teammate Federico Caricasulo does not yet know the success that his past in the discipline allows him to envisage. Enough to give gray hair to the French boss who gives us his expertise on the situation. Among other topics!
- Christophe, how would you analyze this start of the season?
We were hoping for another start to the season. But we are not going to shy away from two pole positions and three podiums. We lacked success in the race, we can also improve a few points, but our bikes and our riders are competitive.
- There was a big scare regarding Jules Cluzel from the first race. How do you analyze this clash afterwards and how is Jules doing?
Jules started the season with a pole position. In the closed park, he went to Niki Tuuli, placed on the front line. He implored him to be careful. Niki does not, however, have the reputation of being a dangerous pilot. But he drives an MV Agusta equipped with Brembo brakes, when we are required to keep the original Nissins. This was not a problem before the introduction of slicks, which occurred in 2020. With a more efficient front tire, top drivers can push back braking, which is possible with Brembos but not with the original brakes. We presented the danger of this situation well before Jules was hit by Andrea de Rosa last year on the same MV Agusta. The expected scenario unfolded once again. Fortunately the consequences were not the same as last year. Jules is doing well.
- The WSSP is on the verge of a major change with the arrival of new regulations opening the door to different engine sizes of motorcycles. How do you understand what will be a new era?
Promoter Dorna is right to want to open the category to all motorcycle brands. This is how importers from each country will be able to support teams and drivers. On the other hand, I do not believe in performance equivalences with different engine sizes.. This will distort any analysis and will no longer make it possible to assess the level of the drivers.
- Will you still be involved with GMT94?
Yes, although I don't yet know in what context. The Supersport category is important for young people. There are points to improve to make the category more accessible, not to distort it, and to ensure that it is in harmony with the regulations of the national championships which are very popular in France, Italy, Spain or the USA.
Christophe Guyot: “ it is incomprehensible that we let him ride open suit until the end of the race”
- In the Grand Prix, we are experiencing a historic situation with our two compatriots Quartararo and Zarco. What are your feelings about this?
Fabio Quartararo is a special case. He owes his success to his father who accompanied him to the top of the Spanish championship, to Emilio Alzamora, then to Eric Mahé who took him to MotoGP. Johann Zarco was first a double world champion thanks to Laurent Fellon, the FFM and loyal partners, then Hervé Poncharal then entered him in MotoGP. He immediately shone there and won 5 poles. The rest with KTM was more complicated, but he was able to bounce back thanks to the unwavering support of Claude Michy who was able to convince the bosses of Dorna and Ducati. Finally, both drivers were able to count on Eric de Seynes who supported them at an important moment in their careers.. In conclusion, my feeling is that for our two French champions, it is the values we expect from sport which are put forward. Nothing other than their pure talent, promoted by key players at the high level, was at the origin of their success.
- We also saw an unprecedented situation at the Catalan Grand Prix with Fabio's open combination. What was your feeling? What can a Race Direction or a team decide in this case?
I didn't understand the sanction that was imposed on Fabio after the finish. He made no mistake. On the other hand, it is incomprehensible that we let him ride open suit until the end of the race.
The championship WSS will resume its rights on August 6 in the Czech Republic, not in Brno but in Most…
