New Crescent Suzuki British Superbike signing, Sylvain Guintoli, completed a successful first test on the 2008 GSX-R1000 at Brands Hatch today, declaring Suzuki’s Superbike an ‘impressive package’, having finished racing in MotoGP only last month. The 26-year-old Frenchman, completed 88 laps around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit, getting used to the GSX-R1000 Superbike that took outgoing team rider Tom Sykes, to multiple race wins earlier this year. Talking about his first Superbike outing, Guintoli commented, “Today has been a very positive first ride for me. It was not about setting lap times, but more about getting used to the characteristics of a Superbike. Having not raced at Brands Hatch before there was quite alot to take in, but I still managed to end the day feeling very comfortable. The GSX-R1000 is an impressive package and I’m now very eager to start the new season with Crescent Suzuki.” With the team currently developing the all-new 2009 GSX-R1000, Guintoli’s next test will be on-board the new bike in Spain early next year. Crescent Suzuki Team Manager, Jack Valentine added, “We’ve all been impressed by Sylvain’s attitude and ability to switch so easily to the Superbike today. While he’s had to ride the 2008 model, it gives us all a good base to start with, before we commence track tests on the 2009 bike.”