Silverstone BSB: Camier and Ellison top practice

Leon Camier can clinch the MCE British Superbike title this weekend at Silverstone and warmed up for the potential celebrations by setting the pace in practice today.

Camier only needs to finish in a point-scoring position ahead of his Airwaves Yamaha team-mate James Ellison to wrap up his first BSB title and he set the fastest time in this afternoon’s second free practice, 0.51s ahead of Ellison.

Camier said: “I don’t need to do anything silly. I just need to beat James, but he is going to be up there so I need to keep focussed. It’s not all over yet.”

Ellison was quickest in the morning practice, 0.42s ahead of Camier, and he needs to score heavily this weekend – not just in a slim bid for the title – but also to keep Honda rival Stuart Easton at bay in the battle for second place in the points.

Easton, full of confidence after his recent Croft victory – his first BSB race win two weeks ago – said: “I feel like the pressure is on Ellison now in the championship as he has second to lose but I have it to gain.”

Simon Andrews was fourth quickest on the MSS Colchester Kawasaki from Easton’s team-mate Tommy Hill.

Karl Harris was sixth overall, in an impressive start to his debut meeting on the SMT Honda. Ian Lowry, Josh Brookes, John Laverty and Chris Walker completed the top 10.

Michael Rutter was 13th on the ex-NW200 Ducati he raced in 2008. The v-twin has now been re-branded with Bathams logos and is the fifth brand of manufacturer Rutter has ridden for this year in BSB.

National Superstock 1000 Champion Alastair Seeley was 15th quickest on the Relentless by TAS Suzuki BSB ‘Evo’ spec machine – essentially a superstock  engine in a superbike chassis as a trial for the class that will replace the Privateer Cup at BSB level in 2010  

Glen Richards was 16th quickest, easing himself back into the action on the HM Plant Honda in his first meeting since breaking his femur at Knockhill three months ago.

Times
Leon Camier (Airwaves Yamaha) 1m25.781s
James Ellison (Airwaves Yamaha) +0.510s
Stuart Easton (Hydrex Honda) +0.814s
Simon Andrews (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +0.814s
Tommy Hill (Hydrex Honda) +1.215s
Karl Harris (Sorrymate.com SMT Honda) +1.379s
Ian Lowry (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) +1.397s
Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) +1.425s
John Laverty (Buildbase Kawasaki) +1.439s
Chris Walker (Motorpoint/Henderson Yamaha) +1.524s