Fabien Foret had a mixed year in 2008, his first season back with Yamaha, he started strongly with great second place at Valencia and an outstanding win at Monza. Disaster struck in Brno, where a dirty track surface caught Fabien off guard entering the final straight in practice. The resulting crash and injuries put the flying Frenchman out of action for the following four races while being in second position in the overall standings, he did not return to the track until the Magny Cours race towards the end of the season. Even with this setback he still managed to take sixth in the championship, an impressive feat. Fabien is a familiar face in the World Supersport paddock with a strong career to date, including his Yamaha entry in 2004 and the WSS title in 2002.

With 88 WSS races, 13 pole positions, 11 wins and 13 other podiums over the past seven years, Foret is certain to be good company for new British team mate Cal Crutchlow in the 2009 season. The two riders have never raced together before, but their combined race experience should see the Yamaha World Supersport team continue to dominate at the sharp end of the championship.

Foret’s career doesn’t just comprise of World Supersport achievements; his CV includes appearances in World Superbike, Superstock 1000 and winning the famous Bol d’Or in 2000 on an YZF-R1. All this experience combined with Fabien’s strong performance with the YZF-R6 means he’ll be battling at the front of the pack.

The charismatic Frenchman was a welcome sight back in the paddock at the end of the 2008 season, the Yamaha World Supersport Team was missing something with his absence. They head into 2009 with Fabien back on form and ready to take the fight to the top in true Gallic style!