ten Kate admits Guintoli will look around for 2016

Ten Kate Racing team principal Ronald ten Kate admits there is no guarantee star signing Sylvain Guintoli will stay beyond the 2015 World Superbike Championship as he prepares to cede his title.

The Frenchman switched to PATA Honda after clinching the 2014 World Superbike title with Aprilia, but has struggled for front-running form on the CBR1000RR and is yet to step on the podium with just three rounds of the season remaining.

Signed to just a single year contract, though ten Kate says the team has a good relationship with the experienced nine-time race winner, he accepts he is likely to be considering his options as the end of the season nears.

"Sylvain is on a one year deal and, like all riders, they will look around to see what is on the market," he told the official WSBK website. "I know what relationship we have with Sylvain at the moment, which is good, and we also understand the work we have put in is leading to a better bike and we are getting there. I read the stories, but nothing is sure.

Indeed, ten Kate is not only optimistic that Guintoli will make it onto the podium before the end of 2015, he will also win a race.

"Sylvain is doing a great job," he continued. "From winning the world title last year, he is getting used to the new situation. The Honda is quite a different bike, but he stood up for the job and we can definitely see we are on the growing line and I expect to see him on the podium before the end of the season. Honestly I think he will win a race before the end of the season."

Guintoli's options are rumoured to include the returning Yamaha or even a possible move back to Aprilia. The Frenchman left Aprilia after it stalled on its commitments for 2015, only for the Italian firm to eventually confirm a semi-works entry under the Red Devils Roma guise, an effort that has proven strong this year.