Crescent Racing have finally confirmed that MotoGP refugee Sylvain Guintoli will join the squad for the 2009 British Superbike season but there is a serious question mark over the continued relationship with Rizla and no mention of a second rider.
The official statement from Crescent makes no reference to Rizla Suzuki whatsoever but does say that Suzuki GB is committed to the series and to the team.
Team boss Jack Valentine said: “Sylvain brings MotoGP class to Suzuki and British Superbikes and I think he will be a race and Championship contender. He has real pedigree as his efforts in MotoGP have proved over the last two years, the sort of determination to succeed that matches the team’s ambitions and one of the best Superbikes in the world at his disposal in the Crescent developed Suzuki GSX-R1000.

“This signing means Suzuki will be fighting for top honours in BSB 2009. We will be putting a full test and development programme in place for Sylvan and no stone will be left unturned in our efforts to win.

“Sylvain will make his debut appearance for the team at the Suzuki stand at the NEC Show in late November and he is already excited to meet the public and fans. He is a breath of fresh air to the team and one that we have utmost confidence in for success in 2009.”
Frenchman Guintoli, from Romans in France, now living with his wife Caroline and daughters Alicia (3-years)  and Layla (6-months) near Market Bosworth in England, has been one of the most promising new stars in MotoGP racing over the last two seasons, scoring a best result of fourth at the 2007 Motegi GP.  Now the 26-year-old is turning his considerable talent to winning the BSB Championship.