Barrier return to BMW WSB leaves Camier high and dry

Sylvain Barrier will return to the World Superbike Championship next weekend at Misano, having sat out the first six rounds of the series following a road traffic collision back in March that left him hospitalised with serious injuries.

The Frenchman’s return, however, could jeopardise the remainder of the season for Brit Leon Camier, who has been deputising for Barrier in the BMW Italia Evo spec bike. Having competed in four rounds, sitting out Donington with injuries sustained in qualifying, he currently lies third in the Evo championship.

Rumours have circulated the paddock that the BMW Italia team will look to expand their entry to allow a second bike for Camier to complete the season on, but the wording of a statement released by the team would appear to quash the rumour, as team manager Andrea Buzzoni said:

“I would like to thank Leon Camier who, with great professionalism and passion, immediately got to work in complete synergy with the Team, participating in five races of the SBK World Championship as a replacement rider. His four finishes as best classified EVO rider confirm his qualities as a rider and the competitiveness of the technical package and the Team. We wish Leon a brilliant professional future – he deserves it.”

Barrier was also quick to thank Camier, saying: “I am very happy to be able to return to the track and to have finally ended my convalescence. I feel fine and I can’t wait to jump on my BMW S1000RR to give my very best.. Misano is a track that I like and it brings back some good memories. I hope that it will be a positive weekend. I would like to thank BMW Motorrad Italia and the whole team for having had confidence in me during this difficult period. I would also like thank Leon Camier who, together with the Team, did a great job these last few months, doing his utmost to take the RR to top finishes in the EVO category.”