Guintoli wins 2015 WSBK title

Aprilia’s Sylvain Guintoli is the 2014 superbike world champion after a nail-biting season finale under floodlights at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar on November 2. It is Guintoli’s first WSBK title, and the first French winner of the production-based championship since Raymond Roche in 190.

Guintoli was victorious in both 17-lap races, more than enough to overhaul Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes in the final standings by 6pts.

"The feelings right now are truly incredible. Today was a great day, two fantastic races where I felt stronger than I have ever felt in my life," said Guintoli. "I was able to be fast without any trouble and lap times were just coming easily to me.

"Coming to Aprilia last year was a great opportunity for me and before my shoulder injury I was in the battle for the championship so it was a shame to lose so much ground because of my physical conditions.

"This year my fitness was perfect so I was able to be consistent and demonstrate our potential. I really began to believe after Magny-Cours, in fact I was certain: we were fast, I felt good and my team gave me great support. Today I showed that I am the fastest on the track. Winning the title by 6pts symbolic but it is extremely important for me after all the recent controversy.

"I want to thank a lot of people, starting with my family who gave me stability and had faith in me, as well as supporting me in these months of high pressure. I am grateful to Aprilia. They provided me with the best bike I have ever ridden and a team that has become like a second family to me."

The night races in Losail were the culmination of a comeback that seemed impossible. After the American round at Laguna Seca the advantage Sykes (Kawasaki) had built up over Guintoli was 44pts, a huge gap with just three rounds left in the season. Since then Guintoli has been on a charge, with three wins and three second places while Sykes, the defending champion, has been on the podium only three times.

It is Aprilia’s third world superbike title in the last five years, following on from Max Biaggi in 2010 and 2012.

Heading into race two at Losail, Sykes still held a 3pt buffer over Guintoli. The race began with Leon Haslam (Honda) and Loris Baz (Kawasaki) colliding at turn one, with Sykes heading the pack.

Jonathan Rea (Honda) took over the reigns as race leader before he was overhauled by Guintoli, the Frenchman setting a new lap record as he took the first double victory of his career to seal the world title.

Meanwhile, Rea edged out the outgoing champion for second, with Marco Melandri (Aprilia) fourth from Chaz Davies (Ducati) and Toni Elias (Aprilia).

In race one Guintoli won from Baz, Sykes, polesitter Davide Giugliano (Ducati) and Elias.
Australia’s Bryan Staring (Kawasaki) scored 15-13 results, and his compatriot Alex Cudlin (Kawasaki) crashed in the opener followed by 18th.

For full standings and results, click here.