Guintoli joins PATA Ducati in WSBK

The Frenchman had started the season with Effenbert Liberty Ducati, with whom he finished third in race 1 at Phillip Island, and won the first of the two wet races at Assen. Ahead of the Brno round, a split developed between Guintoli and the team, reportedly revolving around the resignation of several team mechanics. Without the adequate crew support, Guintoli reportedly chose to resign his position with the team.

A tit for tat verbal battle followed, Guintoli claiming Effenbert were unable to supply him with a bike for the Brno round and other 'contractual misdemeanours'. Effenbert later claimed that Guintoli was dismissed for his 'lack of results', despite securing the team's sole race victory this year.

"I am delighted with this new collaboration, which enables me to look serenely to the future" declared Guintoli. "I would like to thank Team Pata for the interest they have shown in me, as well as Ducati, the sponsors and all those who made this agreement possible. My desire to race and to do so in the best possible conditions has never been lacking and I can't wait to show this starting with the next round of the season on August 5th."

Team Manager Andrea Prando added: "The team has now been strengthened with the arrival of an expert and successful rider like Sylvain Guintoli. This new collaboration has come about thanks to the efforts of my main sponsor who strongly believe in the work and the commitment of the entire team to take part in the championship at the highest level. The arrival of a rider of the calibre of Sylvain will also help Lorenzo Zanetti, who as always enjoys our utmost support."

Ahead of his Silverstone debut with Pata, Guintoli lies eighth overall in the production-based championship this year, with one win to his name at Assen, six podiums (since 2011) and one pole position. He has started from the front row six times, has set three fastest laps and has accumulated a total of 523 points so far.