Ahead of the 2020 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, there is set to be more French representation in the world’s fastest production-based motorcycle racing Championship, as Sylvain Barrier (Brixx Performance) returns for the European rounds. The double FIM Europe Superstock 1000 Championship winner returns to the WorldSBK class, where he was last a full-time rider in 2016 for Pedercini Kawasaki, although he only completed three rounds.

The Ducati Panigale V4 R has been one of the best bikes in WorldSBK and despite only competing in six races last season, he was able to score points on his comeback to the WorldSBK paddock. Having now tested extensively in the build-up to the 2020 WorldSBK season, Barrier feels ready for the new year and a new challenge.

Reviewing his initial feelings throughout testing, Barrier said: “Portimao day two was really the main day, to get more comfortable on the bike, as in Jerez, the weather was not so good, and it was quite complicated. We focused on the geometry of the bike and whether to have more weight on the front or more weight on the rear and by doing that, we were able to find a good base-setting for the bike.

“We need more time with all the team, because it is completely new. We need to get to know each other and they need to know what I need and what I have asked for, what are my best points and what are my weak ones. This will enable us to get to the next step quite quickly.”

During his time in the WorldSBK paddock, Barrier became only the second rider to win back-to-back STK1000 titles, with only Britain’s James Ellison achieving the same feat in 2000 and 2001. In WorldSBK, Barrier has been a top ten finisher, whilst also taking podiums in the STK600 class at the start of his career.

Follow Barrier’s progress throughout 2020 in WorldSBK with the comprehensive WorldSBK VideoPass!