Sylvain Guintoli has taken a novel approach to keeping fit in the gap between races after taking up ca🥃ge fighting in an effort to improve his aggression.

The Frenchman heads into the final two rounds of his full rookie World Superbike season eager to complete a maiden pod𝓡ium result having already made good stride🐼s towards the front of the field in recent races.

A circuit he has experienced bef🃏ore 🍨having partaken in the mid-season tests around the Italian circuit, Guintoli is hoping that - and an unusual take on training - will aid his hopes.

"Finally, a track where I've been before," h🌞e said. "Although I haven't raced there, we did test earlier in the year, so at least I know which way to turn out of the pits!

"Imola is a technical track and difficult to learn, but I like i🐻t a lot. When you know where you are going, it's a real fun track and a blast when you get it right. The tests went pretty well, so I'm hoping to be on the pace right from the start and then go for my f🌞irst podium with the team.

"I have been cycling a lot recently and keeping fit and I have also done a bit of cage fighting💦. The first time I did it, I got well and truly beaten, but the second time was much better. I think this will make me more aggressive on the track and that will help in my battle for a podium."