Donington Park (UK), 27 March 2011 – The two races on the English track at Donington Park demonstrated all of the difficulties and treachery of the highly competitive World Superbike championship to the reigning world champion Italian team. Race 1 saw both Aprilia Alitalia Racing Team riders off to a good start from the second row, so much so that Leon Camier found himself battling for the podium until the halfway point. Max Biaggi, on the other hand, was troubled by a series of small mistakes which kept him from catching up the leading group, finishing the race in seventh place just ahead of his team mate.
The second race became an immediate uphill battle for the world champion, with a false start and therefore, by regulation, a compulsory ride-through. Preoccupied with his attempts to mount a comeback, Max didn’t see the boards and had to return to the pit disqualified, bringing his weekend to an early close.
Leon Camier, on the other hand, battled with the front runners, maintaining a consistent pace after a good start, reaching second place behind Checa. After a winning battle with Marco Melandri, a probably wear on the brakes kept him from being able to fight it out down to the last turn for the second place position. The third step final result is in any case encouraging for the season to come.
“I realised that I had moved on the grid – were Max‘s first words after race 2 – so I was well aware that my race had been compromised. I tried to push right away to recover, but I lost my concentration because of that mistake, losing several positions. Unfortunately I didn’t see the boards – when you’re in the pack that can happen. I’m extremely sorry for the Team, two results below expectations that must not ruin the good that has been done thus far. To the contrary, this is the time when we need to be united, learning even from these bad days. The season is long, we’ll have the opportunity to make amends”.
Leon Camier was visibly satisfied with his fourth podium astride the Aprilia RSV4: “It was truly a good weekend for me, after the rough start in Australia. It’s hard after doing so much preparation during the winter to not be in the best condition for the start of the season. Fortunately I was feeling well right from the start here. I worked well with my Team to prepare for these two races and the results prove it. It was a shame that in Race 2 a small problem with the brakes kept me from making a play for it with Marco Melandri, but that doesn’t ruin the joy of third place. I’d like to thank my Team, obviously, as well as my good friend Keith Code who helped me out a lot”.
