Following a productive two day test at Jerez this weekend, Jules Cluzel’s 2017 has only just begun and he’s made his first steps towards a smooth transition back to the four cylinder Honda. Leaving Jerez as the second fastest World Supersport rider, himself and the CIA Landlord Insurance Honda team were happy with progress made in Spain.
As the new season of 2017 is fast approaching, the French rider told WorldSBK official website how he hopes to bounce back from last season and is as motivated as ever to bring the fight to Kenan Sofuoglu this season. Back with the team with which he also secured runner-up spot with in 2012, it’s set to be a big year for Cluzel.
Jules, despite a difficult 2016 season, you finished runner-up, what made the difference?
“It was the perseverance above all and the not forgetting that I managed to finish second. In a nutshell, that’s what really got me there.”
What have you learned from this season that will help you in 2017?
“I will be able to understand more after the first tests and first races. But we still always learn in these situations. Every season is interesting and there are always things to be learned. I think I also evolved in the eyes of the other riders. The only way to judge of all this will be in the 2017 season.”
Despite that, do you have any regrets?
“I only regret that we didn’t do better. What happened last season is now a part of the past, and we must simply draw conclusions from that to move forward on my side and use it next year.”
You’re joining CIA Landlord Insurance Honda in 2017, the team with which you experienced success in 2012, is this a source of additional motivation to take the crown?
“I’m really excited and excited to be back with the PTR team. I have always had very good relations with Simon Buckmaster. He’s a team manager who really showed interest in me and just for that, it’s very motivating. I am very satisfied with Simon and the whole team.”
Will you have the same team as you had in 2012 around you?
“The chief mechanic and other mechanics I had in 2012 are with other teams today, but the spirit is still present in the team. Simon is a very structured person who maintains values that are important to me.”
You will ride the Honda CBR600RR which won the race in Qatar in 2016, what do you think of it?
“The Honda is a motorcycle that is older but has shown it can still win; it’s a motorcycle that I think is fairly simple. It is not a complicated bike that will need many adjustments, which was also one of the reasons that helped me in my choice to return to the team.”
Will that be enough to beat Kenan in the title race?
“I think beating Kenan is possible and I know the Honda can beat the Kawasaki. We’ll know more after a few races, I have this idea in my head and I will do anything to get there. This bike is regularly at the forefront and, despite being older, it is still up there. This is also what is interesting in Supersport: there are motorcycles completely different in terms of cubic capacity or aesthetics, but we are all close in the standings.
The unknown is the new Yamaha, which is the question we all ask ourselves. It is a new bike and it is one of the only parameters we do not know. I see everyone as a threat and I will not try to procrastinate; I will do my best with the material I have. I will try to be the best driver on the whole season. The important thing is not to only be a threat in one race, but to be regular threat over the entire Championship.”
What are your goals for 2017?
“Simply being the best Jules Cluzel I’ve ever been. I will not say more.”
Other than Phillip Island, will you participate in other test sessions?
“We have just finished the test in Jerez and will be going to Portimao this weekend. We will then have four days of testing when arriving in Australia, which is already very good”
And physically, how do you feel?
“I’m on top and I’m really happy. I have played a lot of sports, ridden lots of bikes and I feel great. Physically, I am good as well as mentally. There is more to focus on than the first event at Phillip Island.”