13-13 Qatar – Losail – Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs – Used KAWASAKI

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Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike goal, but not at all costs

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

Eighth in the Superstock 1000 championship this season, Jeremy Guarnoni will participate in the 2017 World Superbike final this weekend in Losail (Qatar). Site spoke to the n ° 11 of the Kawasaki Pedercini team about this opportunity, about the WorldSBK in general and the fate of the riders in particular… Interview.

The 2017 WorldSBK final takes place this weekend in Losail (Qatar). Sylvain Guintoli, who for the last two events of the season, will not be the only French driver to line up on the starting grid !

Subscriber to the Superstock 1000 for seven years (except in 2014 when he experienced it), Jeremy Guarnoni finished eighth in the European championship which ended in Jerez (Spain) two weeks ago. At the beginning of October, the Ninja n ° 11 had won a masterful victory in front of his family at Magny-Cours. It was his fifth success in the category and his 13th podium..

While he thought he had completed his 2017 season, "Jey" had the good surprise of being invited by his Kawasaki Pedercini team to the final round of the Superbike world championship, riding the ZX-10RR piloted by Alex de Angelis on the first eight events in 2017, then by Riccardo Russo on the next four…

Site therefore called motorcycle speed (winner of the Superstock 600 cup in 2010 as a reminder, and pillar of the STK1000 therefore), just before it took off for Qatar. Interview.

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

Site: How are you ?
Jeremy Guarnoni: Well listen, it’s okay. I’m on the road, I’m going to fly to Barcelona, ​​direction Qatar! Otherwise I have the shape.

MNC: Can we go back to your last Superstock 1000 race? You were penalized by 2 places … and you obviously did not agree with the management.
J. G.: It’s very simple: the clerk of the course and the FIM deemed that one of my overtaking on Rinaldi was irresponsible. During the race, they flagged me "Drop 2 positions", so I had to give up two places. But I didn’t see their warning. It must be said that it was four laps from the end, in the middle of a fight: I did not see anything. On arrival, they decided to give me 25 seconds penalty. So I found myself 19th! It was unfair. When I got back to the box and was told I was penalized, I didn’t even understand why! No matter how much I looked, I couldn’t see: I hadn’t overtaken under the yellow flag, no fault … I had only had a little contact with Rinaldi, and that’s precisely what didn’t did not like it. Yet it is he who touches me. It is not me, since I have already passed. It was amazing … penalizing me for it. They should penalize the whole weekend in this case! We therefore filed a complaint.

"Of course you have to accept contacts in motorcycle racing!"

MNC: Contacts are part of motorcycle racing. But we must also recognize that it is a dangerous discipline because the pilot is very exposed. Are there solutions to limit the risks and maintain the show, in your opinion? Or should the pilots and the race management only accept these risks? ?
J. G.: Of course you have to accept contacts! They must not be premeditated or dangerous. When there is a fall, a runway excursion or a major change in the trajectory that would penalize the attacked pilot, then yes, we must sanction. But in case of touch, no! Especially not ! This would sign the competition’s death warrant. You have to watch motocross races, speed races, motor sports in general.

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

MNC: We have to review the MotoGP race at the 2017 Australian Grand Prix, just that !
J. G.: But there you have it, that’s what we asked the FIM officials: did you watch the Phillip Island GP? But hey, you also have to see that the rider I was passing was Rinaldi, the Ducati rider who was playing for the title against Razgatlioglu who rides on Kawasaki, like me … I think they were afraid that the Italian lose those title chances because of me. As if I wanted to do Toprak’s business by bringing down Michael … Wrong! It’s just that it had been three laps since I passed Rinaldi and he immediately passed me back. He didn’t want to let go, neither did I. It led to this touch. In the end, the management applied the penalty originally planned, "-2 places", but it is still nonsense. Fortunately for me, that didn’t change anything in the championship. I told them by the way: it was not a question of points or ranking. It was about defending our sport. Everyone cried foul, except those from Ducati of course who logically defended their rider. Jonathan Rea who was in our stand for example, did not understand.

MNC: And reviewing the images in slow motion did not lead to a review of the decision ?
J. G.: Management admitted that the penalty was too severe. Deep down, they knew it was just a racing event like any other. Their arguments were not strong. They reacted hot by penalizing me. And the problem is that they cannot cancel this type of heavy sanction … 25 seconds! That would be acknowledging their mistake somewhere. I find that a shame, because the federation can sometimes be wrong! Everybody makes mistakes.

"One of his four, they’re going to ask us to turn on the blinkers"

MNC: The main thing when you make a mistake is to recognize it and never make it again !
J. G.: That’s what I think. They should have reclassified me, but no. It was not necessary to withdraw the sanction, not to admit that on the spot, they had made an error of judgment … Once again, I don’t care at the accounting level. But I find that a shame for our sport. One of these four, they’re gonna ask us to put flashers on the motorcycles !

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

MNC: Let’s talk about more cheerful things … Congratulations on your place in the WorldSBK 2017 final! Your "brother" Loris Baz advised you to weld this weekend in Qatar. What are your goals in the race ?
J. G.: Let’s say that vis-à-vis the team, I have no obligation to respect, or at least to fulfill. I absolutely want to do the best I can. I consider that I have the capacity to enter the points, even to play a Top 10. It’s the potential of the bike as well. I don’t put the pressure on myself because after all, it’s a bit of a "gift" race from Pedercini, and a bit of a "test" too because they will nevertheless gauge my performances and those of the bike for the next year … The team would be quite interested in having me ride a Superbike next season, and Kawasaki too. But it’s never easy to land like that, on the last event of the season, and to prove yourself. Especially in Qatar, which is a very special meeting.

MNC: You already rode on the Losail circuit in 2014, when you were in the Evo category of the World Superbike. It is a circuit that you enjoyed ?
J. G.: Nothing more. What’s cool is driving at night. But the layout itself isn’t bad, but it’s not my favorite. It is fast, to be sure, but also quite flat. Asphalt is special, you don’t have the same reflections. And then there is a lot of sand on the track, which is a bit confusing at the start. You are wary when you go out of the way there !

"My freelance in Qatar? It’s a bit of a gift, a bit of a test …"

MNC: Do you like driving at night? Does it remind you of Endurance events, like a certain Bol 2013 ?!
J. G.: That’s it. But afterwards, it’s so well lit that you almost have the impression of driving during the day. It’s the color of the sky that changes.

MNC: Staggered hours are good or bad for you ?
J. G.: Driving in the evening suits me well. I have more evening than morning (laughs). On the contrary, I find it cool. It changes a little bit. It is especially more pleasant in terms of temperatures because in the middle of the day in Qatar, it would be too complicated..

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

MNC: We were talking about Endurance. It was not on your schedule this year ?
J. G.: No Unfortunately. Partly because of the overlapping schedules. I really hope that the dates will be staggered in 2018, at least between EWC and WorldSBK, because MotoGP riders do not participate in Endurance events, apart from the Suzuka 8 Hours. On the other hand, there is a lot of Superbike riders who could line up in the Endurance Championship. I know I would be up for it anyway! I wanted this year, and I could have done the 24 Hours of Le Mans and two or three others. But as far as possible, the crews are trained for the whole world, which is perfectly normal. It is therefore useless to offer its services.

"Foray and Perret are riding very strong in FSBK"

MNC: You were still able to participate in four of the seven events of the French championship. You took three wins and finished seventh at FSBK 2017. It’s interesting for you ?
J. G.: Ah yes ! It’s interesting because you ride, you’re on a motorcycle! The problem with speed is that it’s a discipline where you never ride. Except in Grand Prix, with their 18 rounds. But there are only 13 in Superbike, and only 9 in Superstock. It’s lean for a season. Besides that, training on your machine is expensive. So I was delighted that Tech-Solutions offered me these opportunities! They work with me in the World, on electronics. It gave them a little more visibility and it allowed me to develop the Kawa. It turned out to be useful and efficient: I was regularly in front, I won a few races.

MNC: What do you think of the level in FSBK ?
J. G.: It was tough, because Kenny Foray rides very fast and very hard, like David Perret. These are the two guys who really dominate. They are a little above the others in terms of piloting and driver / material package. They tend to stand out from the rest of the board. But that doesn’t prevent things from going fast overall, the lap times are really good. It was great, I really enjoyed it. It also allowed me to make myself known because in fifteen years of career, I had to compete only two or three races in the French championship. !

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

MNC: You are still known to fans of Loris (Baz, his "very big" friend, Editor’s note) ?
J. G.: It sure helps. As we are friends and we always hang out, people know me too.

MNC: Let’s come back to the Superbike. How did you get the handlebars for the ZX-10RR "WSBK" from your Pedercini team for this weekend? Is it in thanks for your new victory at Magny-Cours? You told us it’s also a kind of test.
J. G.: Let’s say it’s a combination of all that. But above all it is a way of rewarding myself for these two seasons of Superstock 1000 within the team. It’s a bit like a second family for me: I’ve known them for a very long time and I get along very, very well with Lucio (Pedercini, the boss, Editor’s note).

MNC: Lucio had more trouble with Riccardo Russo, the driver you are replacing ?!
J. G.: The team was not very satisfied. It’s a shame because when he arrived (during the season, after having competed in the first six events in the Yamaha Guandalini team), it went rather well. But it deteriorated afterwards. As Russo brought little budget to the team for the end of the season, they preferred to give me this chance. What’s great is that I’m going to Qatar with my Stock team … I’ve been working with them for two years, so that makes things easier. My chief mechanic, Lucio Gomes, is a guy who knows Superbike by heart. He was one of the best, worked at Batta, then three years with Aprilia in particular for Jordi Torres.

"If you want to ride a World Superbike, you need money"

MNC: Let’s go back to Russo and the situation for private team drivers in general. Their life is far from simple, there have been many changes this season … It’s a question of budget ?
J. G.: Yes, that’s kind of the problem! Teams supported by manufacturers have budgets ten times larger, if not more. Teams like Pedercini are struggling to complete the seasons without the drivers paying. Suddenly, if a driver brings a lot of money, we are less careful about his results. The case manages to turn out somehow. The problems arise when these riders complain about the performance of the bike and start paying no more … In the end, they jump. Today if you want to ride a Superbike, you have to come with some money. It is enough to have some to find a place. it’s not my case.

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

MNC: Places in WorldSBK are therefore doubly expensive, in the sense that they are "rare", but also "expensive". For your 2017 season of Superstock 1000 too, you put your hand in the wallet ?
J. G.: No no. I have been under contract with Kawasaki Europe for two years. But the situations vary greatly between pilots. My salary, I owe it to my results, my 13 podiums including 5 victories in the category, my Superstock 600 title, at my age (I’m young, I’m 24!). I’m one of the mainstays of Superstock somewhere, and I consider myself worth paying. But no pilot should have to pay. After that, I can imagine that we can hold the drivers who finish 20th every weekend to account … But the drivers who make results or who start and are promising should not have to pay.

MNC: Paying to work is the world upside down, no ?
J. G.: Well, no one imagines paying to work. Pilots are the main players in motorcycle sport. We don’t ask film actors to pay to shoot, are we ?! Rather, they are the ones who are the best paid. On a motorbike, it’s the opposite, everyone is paid, except the rider !

"The day I am asked to pay to risk my life, I quit"

MNC: You have never been forced to pay to ride ?
J. G.: If at the very beginning. It’s normal: you have to show what you are worth, to prove your first steps. But in view of my results – which are not extraordinary either, I am aware of it – and my abilities, I feel that I deserve a salary. My approach is very simple on this subject: I will not pay to ride. It would be unfortunate because it is my passion. But the day I am asked to pay to risk my life, I stop. I find something else. I’m not crazy.

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

MNC: However, we ask pilots to come with sponsors, financial support, no ?
J. G.: Yes. If I want to access the World Superbike next year, I have to offer funding because Pedercini is not rich and will certainly not make me ride for free. For example, Kawa would have to support him a bit, or the team would have to find a sponsor. I wish him. What is certain is that I cannot ensure the budget. I’m not lying … unlike many guys who promise a lot but don’t keep their word.

"My sponsors cover my costs, more or less"

MNC: How many personal sponsors do you have? Some follow you since your beginnings ?
J. G.: Yes I have, but above all they allow me to cover the costs. More or less. Because you should know that three quarters of teams do not pay the costs. That’s why I keep my sponsors to myself, for my personal expenses. If I managed to attract a big sponsor tomorrow, I might change my mind, but I don’t.

MNC: You were linked to Alfa Romeo lately. This is no longer the case ?
J. G.: Yes, they have helped me a lot for several seasons. But they didn’t pay me: they made cars available to me. Unfortunately, their budget allocated to partnerships has decreased a lot and we had to stop. It’s a shame because it helped me a lot: not paying for a car for three years, that’s a hell of a saving !

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

MNC: Who are your sponsors, partners or patrons today ?
J. G.: These are people and businesses from my region. From my father’s connections to Toulouse and its surroundings. SMEs that give me a hand, not multinationals. It has become a circle of friends, people who do what they can and are above all passionate about motorcycles. What they like is seeing beautiful machines, watching the races and participating a little. They don’t really care about the sponsorship aspect, the impact in terms of image or turnover. They want to come with me, feast on one or two race (s) in the year. .

"My priority: the best possible bike in the best possible team"

MNC: It would be nice to introduce the World Superbike to your sponsor friends! This is your main goal for 2018 ?
J. G.: Yes and no. Honestly, going up to WSBK would be great, but I don’t want to do it at all costs. I especially want to benefit from the best possible machine, in the same possible team. We have talked a lot about money, but what matters in priority is having a bike that allows you to fight in front and play the title in Stock, or do in the 10 in Superbike. Fighting every weekend to scratch points is too hard. I prefer to stay in Superstock 1000 and try to win races, make podiums.

MNC: You are also studying other options ?
J. G.: Yes because there are not ten thousand offers in the World either! Even in Stock, there are a lot of pilots who are in the straw. I know for example that it is very complicated for Florian Marino. You see that ? A guy who is third in the championship this year and who can’t find a handlebar in 2018 ?! This is a bad sign. It must be said that the Superstock category must disappear in 2019. Many teams therefore do not know what to do: to commit for the last year, or not. So I am open to everything: MotoAmerica or British Superbike for example, are quite prestigious national championships. I also hope to ride in Endurance…

13-13 Qatar - Losail - Interview with Jeremy Guarnoni: World Superbike objective, but not at all costs - Used KAWASAKI

MNC: You keep us posted !
J. G.: Of course, but we are only at the beginning of the negotiations. Team programs are not yet defined, so it’s not easy. Even Loris hasn’t signed yet! It should be done in the coming weeks. And it’s Loris though! A GP driver who regularly enters the Top 15, who finished fifth at the 2014 WSBK, and who does not yet have his contract at the end of the year … It illustrates how tight the market is.

"The best WorldSBK races were in STK1000"

MNC: Don’t let that prevent you from enjoying your Superbike weekend in Qatar … Have fun !
J. G.: Ah that, I intend to have fun! After the results, we’ll see what I can do. There is the quartet of official motorcycles (Kawasaki and Ducati, NDLR), come on, the six leading motorcycles (Yamaha in addition, NDLR) which are impossible to go and get. But behind it is quite tight.

MNC: You regret that the Superbike platform is not more homogeneous…
J. G.: Like everyone else I think. When you watch Superbike races on TV, you fall asleep in front of them. It kind of became the MotoGP of four or five years ago. Finally, the best WorldSBK races this year took place in Stock, but they are no longer broadcast in France. Often the victories came in the last round. And Florian has played the title all year! Unfortunately, it’s much better than Superbike. We have to find a solution for this category, without it, the whole championship risks breaking the mouth margoulette…

Interview by Matthieu BRETILLE

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