The 2011 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy has been given a huge boost with the news that multiple World Endurance Championship race winner Guillame Dietrich will make his Mountain Course debut later this year.
The German-born French ace has ridden for the factory Suzuki World Endurance Championship since 2002 winning the famous Le Mans 24-Hour race twice in 2007 and 2008, and the Bol d’Or 24 Hour event in 2010. In total, the 28-year old has been on the podium at the two events on eight occasions, also chalking up a win at the 6 Hours of Albacete and taking a second place at the Spa 24 Hours.
Dietrich started racing in 1997 and went on to win the French 125cc Aprilia Cup in 2000 and the 250cc version a year later, taking all 7 wins in the Championship that year. That earned him a spot with Equipe de France, the French federation’s official 250cc team who had previously run the likes of Olivier Jacque and Regis Laconi, and he took 3rd in the 2001 250cc French Championship also taking part in his first Grand Prix.
A year later though he moved onto the four-strokes and it’s here where he’s enjoyed most success. As well as the aforementioned World Endurance Championship success, Dietrich is also a double French Superbike (2007 and 2008) and Stocksport (2005 and 2006) Champion He also achieved notable success as a World Superbike wild card entrant at Magny Cours, finishing in 15th and 13th in the two races in 2007.
The Suzuki connection will continue at the TT as Dietrich will ride for the Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing team in all three 1000cc events, the Dainese Superbike, Royal London 360 Superstock and PokerStars Senior Races.
Guillaume Dietrich commented:
“I'm very happy to ride in the TT Races and for the Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing team. I’m a big fan of this race and of this team. My team mate is a big star and I hope to learn a lot. For my career it's a big corner and I’m excited about it.”
Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Development Manager commented:
“This is a really significant step in the development of the TT Races. Guillaume is a really talented international rider with a proven record of success across a number of credible disciplines and races. As well as being a potential front-runner in years to come, he will also hugely assist us in boosting interest in France as well as further grow the international profile of the event.”
Philip Neill, team boss, Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing commented:
“We are delighted to be running Guillaume at the 2011 TT Races. We believe that he has the talent to enjoy a really successful road racing career and are confident that he will perform well on the Isle of Man.”
