British Superbikes: Airwaves Ducati positive for 2008 after Calafat test

Airwaves Ducati spent a successful four days last week testing at Spain’s Calafat circuit and are now confident about the season ahead with the new Ducati 1098.

The only set back was Leon Camier injured his shoulder in a crash on Thursday and was unable to ride the Ducati 1098 on the final day.

But despite the crash the 21-year-old is happy with the progress he is making in his comeback from the horrific leg injuries he sustained at Cadwell Park last Augut.

Speaking after the test, Camier said: “I am feeling alright, I have damaged the back of my arm and my shoulder but I don’t think it is too serious.

“We have had some really windy conditions here; it pushed me off balance as I was entering the chicane, sending me into the gravel and over the handle bars!

“I felt sore on Friday so I wasn’t able to go out. It was disappointing as before I crashed I had a bit of a breakthrough, I was getting quicker, feeling more confident and despite the wind I was pushing hard.

“On the whole it has been a good test and the bike is feeling more like my own now. Hopefully I will be able to test at Snetterton and get some final things sorted before Brands Hatch.”

Both Camier and team-mate Shane Byrne had the strong winds to contend with at the 2.02mile circuit but Camier managed 124 laps and Byrne 214.

Byrne especially managed to improve his times across the four days.

Shane Byrne said: “It has been a good test although the conditions have been frustrating. The strong winds have meant that it has been hard to consistently improve our lap times.

“The weather on Friday was much better, my times have been falling and I think I went a tenth quicker in the morning session.

“I feel I have achieved my targets for this test and it stands us in good stead for Snetterton where we have some ideas to try which should make us even quicker ahead of the start of the season.”

Team manager Colin Wright is now looking forward to actually getting out to race at the opening round of the British Superbike Championship on April 6, 2008 after their successful winter testing of the new 1098.

Wright said: “We have achieved everything we set out to do in pre season testing; familiarising our riders with the Ducati 1098R.

“Leon and Shane have slotted into the Airwaves Ducati team superbly and we are confident for the year ahead.”

Airwaves Ducati will next be on track at the official British Superbike test at Snetterton this weekend (March 22-24).