Official: Ponsson re-signs with Gil Motor Sport for 2022 WorldSBK season

Christophe Ponsson will officially be back on the WorldSBK grid in 2022 after re-signing with Gil Motor Sport Yamaha.  

The French rider, who was a shoe-in to remain with the team, will now take part in his second full season in WorldSBK and second in succession with the team. 

After a slow start to the 2021 season - included missing round five at Assen - Ponsson managed to score a total of 36 points which was good enough for 20th in the championship standings. 

"I am very happy to continue with Gil Motor Sport-Yamaha in World Superbike for a second season," said Ponsson. "We had a good evolution in mid-2021 after a very complicated start last year, we will continue what we have started to build together with the team. 

"Our bike will be more competitive, and I can't wait to try the improvements in our winter testing program."

The confirmation of Ponsson’s new deal now leaves just one seat available which is at Pedercini Kawasaki. 

Belgian rider Loris Cresson is already confirmed, however, the team is still without a second rider although talks with 2013 world champion Tom Sykes and Leon Haslam have taken place, with the latter considered the favourite. 

Speaking about the re-signing of Ponsson, Team Manager of the family-run Gil Motor Sport Team, Ophelie Ponsson added: "We are happy to be able to repeat a new season in the Superbike World Championship with Christophe Ponsson and the manufacturer Yamaha. 

"We ended 2021 on positive notes and with satisfactory results: the pre-season objective of placing us in the top 10 was achieved twice. Our team is more than motivated for the coming season!"