Round 12 will prove an interesting homecoming as de Puniet has not raced at the 4,411m Nevers circuit for over 16 years – or at international level – but the Frenchman is really looking forward to ‘debuting’ here in front of his home-crowd aboard his Yoshimura-powered Superbike. His confidence growing thanks to the braking solution found during the Jerez race last-time-out, de Puniet is excited to conclude the European chapter of his Superbike introduction in his native land.

A stellar performance a fortnight ago saw Alex Lowes overcome a challenging start to conclude his Spanish weekend with podium-matching pace in the day’s second race. The progress and rhythm found with his Suzuki GSX-R1000 leaves the British racer itching to get back on track and push further for the final two rounds of the season and he is looking forward to the passionate atmosphere and support that always accompanies a visit to Magny-Cours.

The Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours lies approximately 250kms south of Paris and a similar distance north-west of Lyon, in the Burgundy region of central France. The track consists of 17 corners – 8 left and 9 right-handers, with many the namesakes of famous international circuits, for example Estoril and Imola – while its smooth, flowing nature offers little elevation change. Practice for Sunday’s two 21-lap races begins at 11:15hrs local time (10:15BST) on Friday 2nd October for Voltcom Crescent Suzuki, with the second 45-minute session following at 15:00hrs (14:00BST). One timed and one non-timed free practice kick off Saturday 3rd October’s timetable of events at 09:45hrs (08:45BST) while Superpole gets underway with two 15-minute sessions starting at 15:00 (14:00BST). Sunday 4th October heralds the European finale with WSBK race action on track at 10:30 and 13:10 (09:30 and 12:10BST) respectively.

Randy de Puniet: “I am really happy to be riding in France in front of my fans, it is always an important race and many people come to support the French riders. I have my fingers crossed for the weather as at this time of year it can be not so good, both for the riders on track and the fans watching! I have not raced here for over 16 years, but I remember liking the first and second corners. The last part of the track has been changed, so this will be new for me, but I have heard that it is an improvement to the layout I know and it should be interesting for the GSX-R. I really hope to have a good weekend (with more luck than Jerez) start the practice with a good feeling, continue the improvements throughout the sessions to make the bike more competitive than the last race and to do my best for Suzuki on the Superbike at Magny Cours.”

Alex Lowes: “I like the Magny-Cours track – the first section is quite quick and important to get right for a good run down the long back straight and the middle section is technical and twisty and where our bike should work well. It won’t be an easy weekend but my goal, as always, is to do the best job I can and get as close to the podium as possible. The weather is always an extra factor there, especially in the early mornings, as you can never be quite sure what you’re going to get, but I want to finish the season strongly so I’m really looking forward to France, getting my head down and getting stuck in.”