Leon Camier may have to miss this weekend’s BSB test at Snetteron as injuries from a crash during testing at Calafat, Spain, have are proving more problematic than first thought.
He seems to have trapped a nerve close to his spine and has damaged his collarbone. He said: “It was really, really windy and as I went into the chicane I drifted wide and couldn’t make the turn. I had to go across the gravel which wasn’t flat. It was a mixture of big pieces and holes, and I went over the handle bars. I landed on my head and shoulders and the next week I couldn’t move my arm.
“The top rib behind my collar bone is elevated trapping a nerve and I have done something to my spine. I now have full movement but sometimes when I move it catches the nerve. Whatever I do I have to do it slowly.”
With the help of regular physio sessions he is aiming to be as fit as he can for the start of the season, the more track time the better, but regarding this weekend he said: ‘I will go up there tomorrow and see how it goes. If I can’t do anything, then I will probably leave it as I don’t want to do any more damage. And I’ve heard that the weather is supposed to be pretty crap, snow and all sorts. I don’t want to do myself more damage and give it time to heal.”
Camier has moved from a four-cylinder Honda to a V-twin Ducati and unlike his team mate he has had no experience of this type of machinery, but prior to his crash his fastest lap time was just under 1m 25s. ‘I am really happy with it, it felt great as soon as I got on it and I could go quick straight away. The bike is pretty much sorted, it isn’t like there is a lot of development to do. Airwaves Ducati team has been awesome and Shakey is cool. He is really good and willing to help, I have learnt from him already.’ He continued ‘I wasn’t too sure what to expect and there are definitely differences between the two bikes in how you ride it and what you get of it.
Camier, whose 2007 season was bought to an abrupt end with a horrific crash at Cadwell, is dealing with the change of tyre manufacturer. After racing on Dunlops he is now forced to use Pirellis with the new BSB ‘One-Tyre Rule’ of 2008. When asked about his view of this change he said: “I am not a massive fan, but I am also not that bothered. It makes everybody the same so it’s not a bad thing and the Ducati’s are working really well with the tyres.”
The former 125cc and Supersport Champion has in no way been phased by the unfortunate turn of events and is extremely excited, focused and confident for the up and coming season. Leon will certainly be giving everything he has, injured or not.
