Sylvain Guintoli

Former World Superbike champion Sylvain Guintoli served as Suzuki's official MotoGP test and wild-card rider until the factory withdraw at the end of the 22 season.

The British-based Frenchman spent five seasons in 250cc as a privateer, claiming one podium and a best of ninth in the world championship, before getting a Tech3 Yamaha MotoGP ride on a Dunlop-shod M1 for 2007.

The Dunlop tyres were well behind Michelin and Bridgestone but Guintoli showed flashes of brilliant form in wet conditions, including a fourth place at Motegi.

That led to a seat with the d'Antin Ducati (now Pramac) team for 2008, when he finished every single race in the points but was no hugher than sixth and 13th overall.

A lack of offers for 2009 saw Guintoli switch to the British Superbike championship, with Cresent Suzuki, but his title hopes were ended by a broken tibia and fibia.

Guintoli moved to the World Superbike championship in 2010, where he remained for the next seven seasons, culminating in title glory with Aprilia in 2014.

Joining Suzuki as its MotoGP test rider from 2017, Guintoli made ten race starts on the GSX-RR, his development work contributing to Joan Mir's historic 2020 title success.

But the chance for Guintoli to make some final GSX-RR race appearances, following ankle damage for Joan Mir, were dashed by injuries of his own at the Suzuka 8 Hours.