Suzuki's MotoGP test rider and former WorldSBK champion Sylvain Guintoli has been drafted into the new Yoshimura SERT World Endurance team along with Kazuki Watanabe.
The pair will join existing riders Gregg Black and Xavier Simeon to start their defence of the world title at Round 1 of the 2021 EWC series at the Le Mans 24 Heures Motos in France on the 17th and 18th of April 2021
“This new challenge is very exciting. I have raced with Team SERT in the past (8H of Doha 2010) and on three occasions with Team Yoshimura (8H of Suzuka) so this feels amazing to be able to challenge all together for the full Endurance World Championship," said Guintoli.
Yohei Kato, Team Director, added: “We are very pleased to welcome these wonderful riders to include a test/reserve rider to our new team, Yoshimura SERT Motul.
“When deciding the 2021 riders, I focused on stability and dedication to the team, then speed and balance in the team. To make the decision, I respected the opinion of team manager Damian and I feel we are able to have very well-balanced line-up to protect the title.
“Both Sylvain and Kazuki are deeply involved in the Suzuka 8 Hours Yoshimura team, and as you know, and Sylvain was in charge of the development of the Suzuki MotoGP machine that won the world title last year. Kazuki is also the development rider for this EWC project, and I’m very grateful for his work.
“Greg has been a hard worker in SERT and he led team to win the championship title. His Le Mans style start is always very impressive.
“Xavier joined SERT in the middle of last year and showed a stable speed. In his career, he has honed his skills in the world's fastest speed competitions such as Moto2 and MotoGP, and I am expecting further performance in 2021.
“We work very hard with our four riders to challenge the defence of championship title. Thank you for your support.”