Aprilia’s Sylvain Guintoli used today’s World Superbike practice sessions to see how he would cope with his shoulder injury, after he dislocated his collarbone falling off his push bike five days ago. The Frenchman is still experiencing some pain and discomfort, but has decided to take part in this weekends proceedings as he wants to fight for some much needed championship points.

Guintoli did attempt some laps around the Russian circuit, thirty in all, and ended the qualifying practice session thirteenth fastest. The rider was focused on getting into the top fifteen, thereby ensuring access, in case of rain tomorrow to the Superpole. He rode eleven laps in order not to subject his shoulder to pointless stress and to continue his recovery in view of the races, and the English based rider is getting extra care from the medical staff at the circuit.

"Today was a bit different than our usual Friday. The first concern was to see if I was able to lean over on the bike, and we're OK there, although I'm obviously not riding at 100%. I need to work on finding the most comfortable riding position since the injury is only five days old and quite painful,” said Guintoli.

“My times are not the greatest, but in any case it's important to get into the top fifteen to be in Superpole just in case it rains tomorrow. A gap of 1.2 seconds isn't that much, considering the conditions. We'll keep working on my shoulder now, on the bandaging and therapy with the Mobile Clinic. It won't be easy, but I want to take home some championship points."