By Tom Howard
Superbike duo Leon Camier and Shane Byrne are vying for the final seat at the Aprilia World Superbike team for next season.
The Kent riders are both without deals for the 2010 season and are hoping to be on the World Superbike grid next year. With only one works team ride available at Aprilia, Sheppey rider Byrne and Camier, from Ashford, are both in line for the seat.
Byrne, who completed his first season in the World Championship this year, believes he is in a good position after two fourth place finishes - riding for Sterilgarda Ducati - in the final round in Portugal last weekend. The 33-year-old finished his debut season in eighth position in the rider standings.
He told Kent News: “It has been a long tough year on a privateer bike and if I can get a decent ride next season I would like to stay in the World Championship. There are many rumours flying around about next year. I have been linked to Aprilia as they are yet to name their line-up for 2010.
“I am the only rider in the top-10 of the final championship standings not to have a deal and I am not the oldest rider in the paddock. I think I have done enough to impress this season by leading races in Italy and Portugal and I have secured a podium finish. We will have to wait and see how that goes.”
However, it appears Camier is in pole position for the Aprilia seat after a successful trial with the team for the final two rounds of the season. After retirements at the penultimate meeting in France, the new British Superbike champion netted top-10 finishes in both races in Portugal.
The Aprilia team retained his services to compete in an official test at Portugal’s Portimao circuit last week.
POSTED: 02/11/2009 10:15:00
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