Even though the South African round removed a possible 50 point haul for Sylvain Guintoli, he believes his title hopes are still alive with just six races left to run.

The works Aprilia rider is 44 points behind Kawasaki’s Tom Sykes with 150 left on the board as both Kawasaki and Honda apparently vetoed a move to run three races at the Qatar season finale.

“The focus is 100 per cent on performing at best in Jerez. Every race and every point will be fought for, even more now that South Africa has been cancelled. We can still do it,” said the Frenchman.