The return of the Donington Park Circuit to the WSBK calendar in 2011 is a welcome development for all involved in WSBK racing, but for ‘local boy' Sylvain Guintoli (Liberty Ducati), Donington in 2011 will have special significance.

A proud Frenchman through-and-through, Sylvain has nonetheless lived in Leicestershire, England for many years, and therefore Donington is something of a local track for him. He has experience of it from his GP days, but also less positive memories from a big crash there when a BSB rider in 2009. The badly broken leg he received in that crash, when another rider collided with him, has long healed, and Sylvain is now keen to get back to Donington, as he is a big fan of the circuit's unique layout.

"Donington has always been one of my favourite tracks and I've always loved going there," said Sylvain. "It's one of the best motorbike circuits in the UK and I really want to do well there after what happened last time. Although it has been altered slightly, the majority of the circuit hasn't changed. The best bits, like the downhill section, are still there, so I am really looking forward to trying it out again."

Sylvain will get his chance relatively soon, as Donington hosts the second round of the 2011 series, between March 25 and March 27.