Sylvain Guintoli's Future Plans: Racing On or Retirement?
Sylvain Guintoli, the former Grand Prix rider and 2014 World Superbike champion, is a man with a passion for racing. Despite rumors of retirement, Guintoli insists he loves racing and has no plans to hang up his helmet just yet.
The 43-year-old has been a busy bee, combining factory BMW WorldSBK testing duties with his role as a TNT Sports MotoGP pundit. He's also been racing in the World Endurance Championship (EWC), showcasing his versatility and dedication to the sport.
But what's next for Guintoli? Will he continue racing and testing, or is retirement on the horizon?
The Passionate Racer
Guintoli's love for racing is evident in his words. He believes that if you can still compete for wins, why stop?
"I heard some rumors I was going to retire, but I absolutely love racing," Guintoli told Crash.net. "If you can still fight for wins, why would you stop? It’s the best job in the world!"
The loss of his son, Luca, earlier this year, only fueled his determination. Guintoli's resilience and inspiration from his son's bravery during his illness have kept him motivated to continue racing.
A Successful Season
Despite the personal tragedy, Guintoli's EWC performances were exceptional this season. He led the race for hours in Le Mans, smashed the race lap record in Spa, and played a crucial role in the team's title pursuit at the Bol d’Or, until an engine problem struck.
"I've never been as fast as I've been this year," Guintoli said. "I'll retire when I’m shit! But in Le Mans, I was leading from the start for a few hours. I smashed the race lap record in Spa - what a place to do it. I love that track. It's so beautiful!"
Exploring Options
Guintoli hasn't decided on his next move, but several options are on the table. An extension to his BMW test and EWC deal is being considered for 2026.
"There were two different roles and objectives at BMW," Guintoli explained. "One was as a test rider for the World Superbike team. And the other, a full-time rider for the World Endurance programme."
The TNT Connection
Guintoli's relationship with TNT Sports is another important aspect of his future. He's been working with them for a few years and enjoys the chemistry and atmosphere within the team.
"The TV side is also really important for me because I've worked with TNT for a few years and it's like a dream team," he said. "It's great chemistry when we're live - and when we are not live as well - we've got a fantastic atmosphere."
A Balancing Act
Guintoli believes that his various roles complement each other. Racing and testing make him a better pundit, especially on the technical side.
"Continuing to race and test also makes me a better pundit, especially on the technical side, so the different roles complement each other well," he said.
As Guintoli navigates his future, one thing is clear: his passion for racing remains unwavering. Whether he continues racing and testing, takes on new challenges, or retires, his love for the sport will always be at the forefront.
