Leon Camier was a surprised podium winner during the 11th round of the 2011 World Superbike Championship after shrugging off a disappointing first race to finish third in the second.

The Ashford rider, racing at Imola for the first time having missed last year’s event through injury, was in the midst of a difficult weekend aboard the sole factory Aprilia Alitalia having qualified in tenth position, before ruining his first race by running off the track on the first lap.

Nonetheless, Camier responded in race two with excellent start, one that had him up to a high of second, before settling in fourth behind Jonathan Rea, Noriyuki Haga and Carlos Checa.

Able to run a consistent pace, Camier was rewarded when Rea retired, lifting him up to third position and a podium finish to go with his Donington Park, Miller Motorsports Park and Motorland Aragon successes.

“We’ve had a really up and down season and it’s good to get a podium for Aprilia, it’s an absolutely awesome feeling. These races and the season in general have been truly tiring, I’m exhausted!

“It’s a shame about the first race, we could have done a lot better without that mistake, and I’ve got to feel sorry for Jonny Rea – he deserved to come away with a double today. He’s had an awesome weekend, just back after an injury and out there leading the race, so it was a shame for him.

“Well done, on the other hand, to Carlos and Nori, they were really quick today.”

Camier retains sixth position in the WSBK standings.