Last year’s World Superbike champion Sylvain Guintoli suffered a nasty crash during preseason testing at Jerez, Spain, in late January.
The Pata Honda rider highsided just a handful of laps into the test and returned to his home in the United Kingdom to have his injuries assessed. An MRI on his neck and back, as well as an X-ray of his right ankle, revealed no fractures, but the 32-year-old still had severe bruising and discomfort.
“The back is still quite painful,” Guintoli said, “but I can put some pressure on the ankle and I’m happy that there are no breaks. The treatment has started and although it will take a while to settle down, I’m confident about being fit and ready to start the season at Phillip Island next month.”