Gimbert takes French title

From Yamaha Racing

Sebastien Gimbert stepped up last Sunday to take the victory and the title in the 2009 French National Superbike Championship.

Gimbert was on track for success from the beginning of the weekend, claiming his fourth pole of the season, nearly a second faster than the closest competition at the Albi circuit.

Gimbert took the title with 195 championship points, 14 ahead of rival Vincent Philippe on 181.

"Yamaha could not have built me a better motorcycle,” said Gimbert. “This new R1 is the perfect fit for me, combining performance and pleasure.

"I want to thank my mechanics and the entire GMT 94 team for their hard work this year which has allowed me to run a fantastic season with multiple wins and pole positions. I am also very happy for all our partners who have been supporting us for a long time and are enjoying this moment with us."

"I am very happy for Sebastien who really deserves this title,” said Christophe Guyot, Yamaha France GMT94 IPONE team manager. “Our Yamaha R1 is a great motorcycle. With such a combination, we knew that the title was within our reach this year and we clinched it at Albi, which represents the rebirth of a French championship on the rise with media coverage and a deep field of competitors. Spectators are now coming in ever increasing numbers and the competition level is very high."