MV Agusta’s Leon Camier still had a WorldSBK podium in his sights before the end of the 2017 season but knows it won’t be easy with the Ducati and Kawasaki packages ahead of him.
The former BSB champion has targeted finishing seventh in the championship standings this year with the Italian squad but is not clear on his plans 2018.
“I’m pretty happy so far with the results in 2017, I feel we couldn’t have done any more. For sure, we would like to get on the podium once this year but realistically there are three Ducatis that are strong, two Kawasakis and often this year the Yamahas have been strong this year, and have taken a step at some circuits,” said Camier.
“Trying to push for better results is not an easy situation. It’s difficult to say whether this is one of my best seasons. Sometimes we are really strong and sometimes we have had problems with the bike. Considering our situation, MV is very small with a small budget but we have put it over much bigger teams with a lot more budget, so I think we have done a really good job.
“Before the end of the season, I would love to be on the podium, that is the goal for sure but if that’s not possible, we need to push for fifth position. If we can get some consistency, then we can try to finish in seventh position.
“I know which direction we need to go with the bike, it’s pretty clear. We have to keep working on this. I think my participation in the championship is unfinished business. There is a lot more I can give result-wise. I need the opportunity but over the years I have learned so much and now I feel I am in a position to push to go a good job in the championship.
“When I came in to the championship I was young and fast but didn’t understand how to get the best from the bike. My plans for next year are still not clear. We need to understand what MV’s plans are but I aim to stay in WorldSBK right now.”
Camier has been strongly linked with a move to Red Bull Honda in 2018 but until the exact rules for 2018 are known, it would seem he is unlikely to commit to anything new.
