Following his crash on the circuit of Aragon on Sunday, September 6, Jules Cluzel, injured at the tibia and fibula, doesn’t know his convalescence period yet, even if his surgeon promises him that it will be fast. Just like the GMT94 team, Christophe Guyot’s rider doesn’t want to take any risk for his health.
Jules Cluzel : ” The surgeons of Alcaniz (Spain) and Clermont Ferrand are optimistic to see me race at Magny Cours but we won’t take any risks and I will only ask the FIM doctor for permission to race if I am 100% fit. In the meantime the GMT94 has made the right choice to take Kyle Smith. He has the level to help me protect my second place in the provisional classification which would be precious in case I can come back later. »
Kyle Smith, author of seven podiums, including three victories in the World Supersport Championship, and reigning European Champion, was logically the choice of Christophe and Rémi Guyot. Winner in the Spanish Championship on board a Yamaha R6 (Pirelli), Kyle Smith has serious assets to adapt to the GMT94 machine in one weekend. Having taken pole at Magny-Cours in 2019 in the rain, Kyle is known for his excellent pace in difficult conditions.
The question of choosing a French rider leader of a French Championship has also been present. However, without knowing the new WorldSSP machines, the new Pirelli tyres coupled to a circuit that has just returned to the championship programme, as well as the need to be in the top 5 from the first race, the gift could easily be poisoned. Indeed the GMT94 team, leading the world championship, needs to score big points to hope to keep its place.
Kyle Smith: “First of all I wish a speedy recovery to Jules Cluzel, whom I know well from all the years we have spent together in WorldSSP. I will do my maximum to stay ahead of his opponents and preserve his place. I am also very motivated to help the GMT94 in its fight for the world title. I rode on this circuit less than a month ago in the Spanish championship, which will allow me to focus quickly on the bike settings I prefer. »
Christophe Guyot: “After the reigning world champion was unable to follow our proposal, the name of Kyle Smith came up several times. At 28 years old, he already has a good record in this championship and knows his opponents well. He knows the team’s objectives, and considering his involvement and reactivity since the beginning of our discussions, we can be sure that Kyle feels 100% committed to the project. »
See you on September 18th, 19th and 20th for the 6th round of the World Supersport championship in Barcelona (Spain) !
11 September 2020
