After announcing that they would be in World Superbikes in 2012 late last month, Crescent Suzuki has confirmed now Leon Camier as their first rider for their debut season.
The former 2009 British Superbike champion heads to the new team after spending his two seasons in World Superbikes with the Aprilia Alitalia factory team, where he went to the podium seven times in 52 race starts.
“I am absolutely thrilled and excited to be joining the Crescent team and with the opportunity to ride the GSX-R1000! My first two years in WSB have been tough but I’ve learnt a lot and had some good results to build on, so this is a great opportunity for me.
I have met with Jack and Paul and it’s clear that the team’s attitude suits me perfectly.
I feel we all have the same goals and I can’t wait to start testing.
“I’m really looking forward to the new season and I believe that the Suzuki GSX-R is certainly a very capable bike, especially with the technical plan the guys have in place.
This is a fantastic chance for me to take the next step in my career and I’m very thankful to the guys at Crescent for giving me the opportunity,” said Camier, who will begin testing the GSX-R1000 later this month.
Team manager Jack Valentine said,“We are really pleased to get the first signing under our belt! Leon is a rider I’ve always admired and he did a super job when he was in BSB.
We’re all looking forward to welcoming him to the team and I’m sure he will fit in well.
“I am sure that the addition of an aggressive, focused rider like Leon to our team, plus the developments planned for the 2012 GSX-R1000, will put us in a good position for the start of Crescent Suzuki’s first year of World Superbike competition.
”Crescent Suzuki will announce Camier’s team-mate in the very ‘near future’, as well as confirming its commercial partners.