Ex-MotoGP favourite Guintoli anchors Suzuki to 2021 EWC title

Suzuki is celebrating after notching up its second consecutive FIM Endurance World Championship title after the Yoshimura SERT outfit held its nerve during a tense finale in the Czech Republic to come out on top.

Coming into the Most 6 Hours finale as the hot favourites after key victories in the blue riband Bol d’Or at Magny-Cours and the Le Mans 24 Hours, the combination of ex-MotoGP riders Sylvain Guintoli and Xavier Simeon, together with French racer Gregg Black needed only a modest result to protect its advantage.

With the trio keeping their nose clean as the race progressed, Yoshimura SERT settled into a third place it would hold to the flag. Ending the season 42.5 points clear of runners-up BMW Motorrad Endurance, it is the second straight world title for Suzuki after Black and Etienne Masson teamed tasted glory in 2019-2020.

“This season was like a dream because everything went according to plan. The most incredible thing for me was to win the 24 Heures Motos and the Bol d'Or - two events that I absolutely wanted to win one day. 

“That's why I had the idea to join Yoshimura SERT Motul. This title is fantastic because it rewards all the work done by everyone. We arrived here with the championship in mind but also the will to be on the podium, so the contract is fulfilled!”

It marks a successful 12 months for Suzuki on the racing front, notably its surprise 2020 MotoGP World Championship title win with Joan Mir, while recent success at BSB level and titles in EWC belie a Suzuki GSX-R1000R package that is somewhat dated compared with its main rivals.

That could change in the coming weeks amid rumours Suzuki is preparing to unveil a brand new ‘Gixxer’ for 2022, possibly as soon as EICMA, one that could herald its return to the WorldSBK Championship in a full factory capacity.