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Leon takes superb podium in race 1.
Sylvain just misses out in race 2.
Magny-Cours, France: Sylvain Guintoli missed out on a fairy tale 'home' Superpole victory by the narrowest of margins on Saturday. The Frenchman was battling it out with Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) and Jakub Smrz (Aprilia) in final Superpole, but lost out to Crutchlow by just 69/1000 of a second in the one of the most dramatic sessions of the season.
But, second on the grid was Sylvain's best result this year and he wanted to take advantage of his position and battled for victory in both Sunday's 23-lap races.
His team mate Leon Haslam had some problems with his number one bike in free practice and Superpole 1 so, for safety's sake, was forced to switch to his number two bike for Superpole 2. He had not put in many laps on this bike and a small clutch problem denied him the chance of getting into Superpole 1. Nevertheless the young Briton was confident of making good starts, challenging the leaders and taking a podium or two.
The title might already have been decided but Suzuki Alstare riders Leon Haslam and Sylvain Guintoli gave everything they had at Magny- Cours on Sunday and acquitted themselves very well. Leon fought his way to runner-up spot in the first race after a battling up from seventh on lap 1. Towards the end, he was locked in a dogfight with Max Biaggi (Aprilia), but managed to overtake him just two corners from the end of the final lap and made it stick. Sylvain was second at the end of the opening lap, and remained in the top six throughout the 23-lapper, but was disqualified for ignoring a black flag.
Sylvain started race 2 as if he was on fire. The Frenchman led the first eight laps and it looked as if his first podium was on the cards. He dropped to fourth after 16 laps but hustled his way back into contention in the final stages.
After race 1, Leon knew that another podium was a possibility, despite his third row grid position. His start was not particularly good, but he began attacking the leaders and he was on course for podium number 14. But, on lap 6, Toseland highsided in front of him and Leon had to take to the grass to avoid hitting his fellow countryman. By the time he rejoined the track, he was in 16th place, but a lap later he was already up to 13th. From then on, Leon was on a charge, but the leaders were too far ahead. In the end, he finished 10th.
The whole DARK DOG Team would like to thank Leon & Sylvain for the fabulous season and wishes both riders all the best for 2011!
Leon Haslam
Race 1: 2nd, Race 2: 10th
The first race was the kind of race I love. Full of fighting and everything on the line. I am so happy to get second and so happy to have beaten Max. [.] I was particularly happy to get on the podium because I didn't get a very good start. I had just worked away and gradually got back into contention. Throughout the whole race I had to make some pretty odd moves, but that's what I had to do to get into the situation of challenging for the podium. The championship might have been over, but I always want to win races and that's what I set about doing. [.]
It's been a great year. I only had a couple of DNFs - one my fault and one not - and I've scored 14 podiums. I'm very happy with the season and would like to thank everybody at Alstare Suzuki for all their hard work and support. They made this all possible - the best season I've ever had!
Sylvain Guintoli
Race 1: Disqualified, Race 2: 4th
Too be honest, I'm absolutely gutted! I fought like an animal today and half my effort was ruined because of a black flag. That was in race 1, when I was happily fighting in the top four. [.]
Race 2 is why I race. It was brilliant! I made a great start and led the first eight laps. I was comfortable in the lead, in fact I felt more comfortable in the front than when I am in a pack of riders. I had a really good battle with Fabrizio in the closing stages. We must have overtaken each other four times on just one lap! Also, he hit me a couple of times, but it was all just a good fight. I did my best to get past him and stay there, but just couldn't manage it. I'm very disappointed not to have got on the podium.
I've had a fantastic season. I have learnt so much from this team. They've pushed me, made me change as a rider (for the better) and helped me grow. I have felt part of the Alstare family from the beginning and I would like to thank Francis and the whole team for this wonderful experience.
Results / Race 1
1 Cal Crutchlow (GBR-Yamaha)
2 Leon Haslam (GBR-Suzuki Alstare)
3 Carlos Checa (ESP-Ducati)
4 Max Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia)
5 Jakub Smrz (CZE-Aprilia)
6 Michel Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati) ...
Sylvain Guintoli (FRA-Suzuki Alstare) Disqualified
Results / Race 2
1 Max Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia)
2 Cal Crutchlow (GBR-Yamaha)
3 Michel Fabrizio (ITA-Ducati)
4 Sylvain Guintoli (FRA-Suzuki Alstare)
5 Noriyuki Haga (JPN-Ducati)
6 Jakub Smrz (CZE-Aprilia) ...
10 Leon Haslam (GBR-Suzuki Alstare) ...
Final points standing
1 Max Biaggi (ITA-Aprilia) 451
2 Leon Haslam (GBR-Suzuki Alstare) 376
3 Carols Checa (ESP-Ducati) 297
4 Jonathan Rea (GBR-Honda) 292
5 Cal Crutchlow (GBR-Yamaha) 284
6 Noriyuki Haga (JPN-Ducati) 258
7 Sylvain Guintoli (FRA-Suzuki Alstare) 197 ...
