Aprilia’s Sylvain Guintoli stormed to the top of the World Superbike qualifying timesheets at his home track of Magny-Cours and the Frenchman could not be more happy or comfortable on his bike.

The damp track in the morning allowed the riders to go out on slicks only in the last portion of the free practice sessions where home favourite, Guintoli, put in the second best time despite only taking a total of six laps.

In spite of threatening clouds, the afternoon qualifiers were held on a basically dry track. Times dropped drastically although nothing close to the best potential of the category. At the end of the 45 minute session Guintoli was at the top, consistently fast and putting in excellent times even on a used tyre.

Now the England based racer is hoping to keep up his good form, particularly when it comes to race day on Sunday. But tomorrow he will be focusing on riding fast and being consistent in every session.

“Today was a good day for us, not only because of the best time in the qualifiers but above all because of the feeling I have with my RSV4 here at Magny-Cours. I did my fast lap on a ten-lap old tyre and that means that we are definitely moving in the right direction. I want to focus on riding and being fast in every session. The first day went well, but what happens on Sunday is what counts,” said Guintoli.