Camier was lucky to escape a first corner crash – that cost him some valuable time – and then got stuck behind Eugene Laverty, before passing the Irishman and chasing down the group in front. Camier caught and passed Sylvain Guintoli and looked to be heading for a comfortable, and impressive, sixth before drama on the last corner saw the BMWs of Leon Haslam and Marco Melandri collide.

This incident gave Camier the chance to take an unexpected, but ultimately well deserved fourth. His pace in the latter parts of the race matched the front-runners and, but for the avoiding action he had to take on the first corner, he could have been right amongst the battle for podium honours.

Camier made it a double of top-10 finishes today after bringing his Yoshimura-powered Suzuki GSX-R home in a hard-fought ninth in the first race.

Peter Hickman made an impressive debut in the World Superbike Championship by racing his FIXI Crescent Suzuki to ninth place in race two.

He made a good start and was quickly up into a point-scoring position from 19th on the grid, before catching and overtaking more experienced riders on his way to 11th by lap 19. Hickman rode hard for the remainder of the race to preserve his place, before finally bringing his machine home in ninth after the last corner incident.

Hickman’s first race was cut short by a small electrical issue that forced him to pit early on, his crew were able to trace the trouble and get him back on track, but he was too many laps behind and finished the race as not classified; although he did collect some valuable data that will assist the team as it moves forward.

Today’s races were held in dry, sunny, but windy conditions, with track temperatures getting up to 18°C this afternoon. The first race of the day was won by Marco Melandri on a BMW, with Jonathan Rea on a Honda taking the spoils in race two. Italian Max Biaggi leads the Championship, with Tom Sykes second and Rea in third.

FIXI Crescent Suzuki will now head across the Atlantic for the sixth round of the season as it travels to Miller Park near Salt Lake City in the state of Utah for the next race on Monday May 28th, where the team hope they will be re-joined by John Hopkins, who was forced to miss today’s races due to an injury he suffered last weekend at Monza in Italy.

Leon Camier:

“I had the pace this weekend to be with the top guys and it felt good fighting and catching them today. In race one, there was a problem with the brakes and I couldn’t get into the turns the way I wanted and that prevented me from catching the guys at the front. We changed to a softer rear tyre for race two. My start was OK and if I hadn’t been held up for so long by Laverty and Guintoli I’m sure I would’ve been challenging for the podium at the end. It was a really enjoyable race and great fun catching people and passing them.”

Peter Hickman:

“I had an electrical problem in race one and had to pull into the pits after just two laps. The guys fixed it and I went out again, but by then I had lost too much time to make any impact on the top 15. Fortunately there were no problems in race two and I was able to run consistently fast and chip away at the people in front of me one by one. My fastest lap was on lap 17 and I am really, really happy with how much I’ve learnt this weekend – getting ninth today was like a win for me! I would like to give huge credit to the team for building such a brilliant bike and working so hard to help me this weekend and I would also like to say a big thank you to everybody at FIXI Crescent Suzuki for giving me this chance.”

Jack Valentine – Team Manager:

“We’ve had a much better weekend here at Donington than we have had recently and it’s been good to see some smiles returning to the garage. Leon rode fantastically in the second race and could easily have been challenging for the podium if he’d have gotten away with the front group and not been held up.

“Peter did an excellent job for us this weekend. He came in a last-minute replacement after we lost John and he has done everything – and more – of what was asked of him. His ninth place is a good reward for him for his hard work.

“I would also like to thank the whole crew who worked tirelessly this weekend to give Leon and Peter bikes that they could be competitive on. We will now go to Miller in a positive frame of mind and hopefully we’ll Have John back with us.”

Paul Denning – Team Principal:

“This weekend has been the strongest for the team since the start of the season. The only blip was in race one when Leon struggled with a combination of braking problems and tyre choice, and Peter had an electrical problem. An earth lead connector broke, but the team fixed it and got him out again, so that he could get some more laps under his belt. Race two showed the true potential of the FIXI Crescent Suzuki GSX-R. For Leon to finish just four seconds down on the race winner after a difficult start is a fabulous performance. Peter had to jump on to a completely different spec machine to his BSB bike and learn it quickly this weekend. To do that, make no mistakes, run consistent lap times, whilst giving us excellent technical feedback is extremely impressive.

“The only negative this weekend is that John wasn’t here. It’s easy to speculate, but I’m sure he would’ve been fighting for the podium in both races. We’re hoping for positive news from him in California in the next couple of days, because a fit and fired up John is capable of great things.”

Donington Superbike Race 1: 1. Marco Melandri (BMW) 34’26.736: 2. Leon Haslam (BMW) 34’27.464: 3. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) 34’28.345: 4. Jonathan Rea (Honda) 34’28.555: 5. Max Biaggi (Aprilia) 34’28.838. 9. Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) 34’41.880. DNF: Peter Hickman (FIXI Crescent Suzuki).

Donington Superbike Race 2: 1. Jonathan Rea (Honda) 34’31.847: 2. Max Biaggi (Aprilia) 34’32.355: 3. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki) 34’33.876: 4. Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) 34’36.092: 5. Sylvain Guintoli (Ducati) 34’38.442. 9. Peter Hickman (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) 34’53.713.

World Championship Classification (after 5 rounds): 1. Biaggi 128.5: 2. Sykes 123.5: 3. Rea 108: 4. Carlos Checa (Ducati) 105.5: 5. Melandri 97.5: 12. Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) 34.5. 23. John Hopkins (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) 8. 24. Peter Hickman (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) 7.

(suzuki)

Camier signalled his intentions by recording the second quickest time in this morning’s first free practice session and then followed that this afternoon by taking over a second off that time.

Camier finished the 45-minute session in fifth place, but was only 0.278 seconds from provisional Pole Position. He held the lead for a large part of the session and only slipped to fifth when his rivals put on fresh rubber in the closing stages.

Camier and his crew opted to continue working on a race set-up instead of changing to softer tyres. He was pleased with his first day’s work and is convinced there is more to come from his Yoshimura-powered Suzuki GSX-R over the weekend.

Replacement rider Peter Hickman made an impressive start to his weekend onboard the FIXI Crescent Suzuki, as he immediately settled in with his temporary team and made several adjustments to the GSX-R to suit his riding style.

Hickman used the first session to familiarise himself with the bike around the 4.023m Donington Circuit before stepping up his pace in the afternoon to knock over two seconds off his morning best time. He finished the day in 17th place, only 1.568 seconds from the top spot.

Hickman is representing FIXI Crescent Suzuki at Donington as a substitute for injured rider John Hopkins. The regular Suzuki star broke his right foot and damaged his left hip at Monza last Sunday and is unable to ride in this weekend’s event.

This afternoon’s qualifying session was held in dry conditions with track temperatures reaching 15°C, but with air temperatures only getting up to 11°C and a strong wind giving a chilly feel to the day’s events. Today’s fastest time was set by Jakub Smrz on a Ducati.

Camier and Hickman have one more Qualifying session tomorrow morning when the pair will be going all-out to get into the top-16 to make sure they qualify for the Superpole session in the afternoon that will decide grid positions for the first four rows. Sunday’s first race gets underway at 12.00hrs local time (13.00hrs CEST); with the second outing scheduled for 15.30hrs local time (16.30hrs CEST).

Leon Camier:

“It’s nice to be up at the front for a change, even though four riders went faster at the end of the Qualifying session. It was good to be top of the leader-board for a while and I might have been able to stay there until the end, but we decided to concentrate more on getting a good race setting. It’s hard to get a perfect bike set-up at Donington, but we’ll keep trying to improve the bike tomorrow and hopefully the weather will stay dry. It’s been so good to have dry conditions today and manage to just put in the laps – something we’ve missed recently.”

Peter Hickman:

“I am pretty happy with everything today and I hope that it continues the same way tomorrow. This is my first time on the FIXI Crescent Suzuki and I’ve been spending the time learning the bike and getting as much experience of it as I can. The bike feels as if it is on rails and I felt comfortable on it pretty-much straight away. I would like to thank the team for giving me this great opportunity and my aim now is to finish in the top-16 in tomorrow’s Qualifying. I know there’s more in me to come, so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

Jack Valentine – Team Manager:

“It’s been a very satisfying day for the FIXI Crescent Suzuki team. Leon has been on the top of his game all day and was fastest for quite some time in this afternoon’s Qualifying. He only ended 0.278 off Pole, despite not being on soft tyres at the end. Peter has done everything that’s been asked of him. I am confident in his ability and have given him the realistic goal of qualifying in the top-16 tomorrow. He’s very happy with the GSX-R and has worked well with the team. The dry conditions today have allowed us to get some decent laps in and it has made me feel that we’re actually going racing – and that’s a nice feeling!”

Donington FIM Superbike World Championship Friday Qualifying: 1. Jakub Smrz (Ducati) 1’29.336: 2. Jonathan Rea (Honda) 1’29.394: 3. Carlos Checa (Ducati) 1’29.507: 4. Leon Haslam (BMW) 1’29.604. 5. Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) 1’29.614. 17. Peter Hickman (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) 1’30.904.

Developed to aggressively take on urban environments while encouraging occasional detours to your favorite stretch of back country twisties, the Zero S integrates revolutionary technology with innovative motorcycle design. The result is a high performance motorcycle with one of the lowest costs of ownership ever. Zero Motorcycles’ all-new Z-Force™ power pack and powertrain have been beefed up and now offer regenerative capability. The bottom line: the Zero S goes faster and farther than ever before.

Whether stealthily accelerating onto the highway or out of the turns, the Zero S is uniquely designed to deliver a sensation unlike any other on the road today. Are you ready?

What’s new for 2012

The Zero S is the world’s first available mass-produced electric motorcycle capable of exceeding 100 miles on the EPA’s UDDS range test.

The entirely revamped Zero S features a completely new powertrain that includes a brushless motor capable of achieving speeds of up to 88 mph, new state of the art battery cell technology, regenerative deceleration and a power pack that is designed to last the life of the motorcycle.

Offering customers the ability to select the range they need, the new ZF6 and ZF9 power pack configurations give riders the ability to respectively achieve 76 miles and 114 miles according to the EPA UDDS.

Highlighting the new powertrain is sleek new venting and bodywork to keep the maintenance free and air cooled system operating at moderate temperatures. Revised frame geometry, new optimized Zero designed rotors and a larger front brake master cylinder give the Zero S better handling and more stopping power than ever before.

The 2012 Zero S is visually distinct from its predecessors with new additions to the bodywork, components and graphics. Built around a black high-end aircraft grade aluminum frame, it is the first and only model to feature Zero’s newly designed and optimized cast wheels. Refining the appearance of the front end, the Zero S now features a more contemporary headlight that gives the overall motorcycle a sleek new look.

Features:

Game Changing Z-Force™ Technology: 100+ Mi Range / 300,000+ Mi on a Power Pack

The 2012 Zero S leverages a completely new battery cell chemistry and configuration. Not only does the ZF9 power pack enable riders to go beyond 100 miles, it is also designed to last the life of the motorcycle. The result of cutting edge research and development, each cell in the power pack is individually controlled and monitored at all times to ensure maximum health. The integrated onboard charger minimizes charge time and can work in parallel with Zero’s quick charge accessories to cut charge times by as much as 75%. What’s this all mean? Simply put, the Zero S is the leader for production electric motorcycles in acceleration, range, recharge time and longevity.

* Available in two configurations: ZF6 (76 mi) and ZF9 (114 mi)
* State of the art new power pack configurations and cell chemistry
o Cells last 3,000 full charge-discharge cycles before hitting 80% capacity, yielding as much as 308,000 miles on the original power pack
o Up to 95% higher energy density power packs that yield significant range and performance advantages
o Elegant new low resistance and highly robust cell interconnect technology
* New battery management system with enhanced 24/7 cell monitoring and a 92% reduction in power consumption
* New, higher voltage power system that allows the motor to run cooler and with more RPMs than ever before
* Scalable quick-charge options available to cut recharge times by as much as 75%
* Isolated power systems and 12 volt system for running accessories
* Onboard charger that uses a specially developed charge profile

Brushless Motor and Regenerative Braking: 88 mph Top Speed

A compact and powerful brushless motor provides riders with exhilarating acceleration to a top speed of 88 mph. Completely air cooled, the motor is designed to provide riders with years of fun minus the need for any regular maintenance. When slowing down, the motor works with a new brushless motor controller to recharge the power pack.

* Completely new maintenance-free, clean, forced-air cooled brushless motor
* Increased torque and broader power band for much stronger acceleration
* Quad-level regenerative system recharges the power pack when decelerating
o Re-gen level is increased during brake application vs. “neutral” deceleration
o Both braking and “neutral” re-gen levels are set higher in Eco vs. Sport mode

Frame and Bodywork: Lightweight and Stealthy

Aircraft grade aluminum is exclusively used in the construction of the lightweight and rigid Zero S twin spar frame. One look at the frame and it speaks for itself. It is aggressive, strong and one of the main reasons that the Zero S can take on anything in an urban environment. Designed to have a low center of gravity, the Zero S is highly maneuverable and responsive.

The body is completed using bold new bodywork to give it a contemporary, aggressive and naked look. The 2012 frame is designed to accommodate a rider and passenger with an optional accessory.

* Frame and bodywork designed from the ground up by Zero Motorcycles
* Ability to accommodate a passenger with an optional accessory
* Better handling with refined frame geometry for 2012
* Extremely rigid and lightweight black twin spar aircraft grade aluminum frame
* Designed to have a low center of gravity for better maneuverability and responsiveness
* Sleek new headlight and turn signals
* New scoop for ventilating the fully air cooled powertrain
* New trunk-pan and belt guard

Wheels and Brakes: Robust and Responsive

The Zero S has completely new weight and strength optimized cast wheels for 2012. Developed specifically for the Zero S by Zero Motorcycles, the sporty new design represents Zero’s first ever cast wheel. The Zero S also features more powerful brakes than ever before with a larger front master cylinder bore and new Zero designed rotors.

* Only model to feature Zero’s new weight and strength optimized cast wheels
* Brakes are more precise, easier to modulate and require less effort
o Zero designed rotors for optimized performance and reduced unsprung weight
o Larger front master cylinder bore size for increased stopping power
o Steel braided lines for superior lever feel and more precise brake modulation
o High performance compound brake pads

Suspension: The Magic Ride

The suspension on the Zero S was developed by Zero to take advantage of the motorcycle’s lightweight design. Its inverted front fork is among the lightest in the industry and can be externally adjusted to dial in compression and rebound damping.

A rigid double diamond rear swing arm keeps the wheel planted using a custom rear shock with a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping. The smooth suspension combines with the silence of the powertrain to yield an exhilarating ride that needs to be experienced to be understood.

* Robust triple-clamps for improved bearing pre-loading and durability
* Specialized fork and shock internals
* Aluminum stanchions for reduced weight and superior control
* Unique double diamond aircraft grade aluminum rear swingarm for reduced weight and increased torsional rigidity
* Front adjustments: Compression and rebound damping
* Rear adjustments: Spring preload, compression and rebound damping

Dash and Controls: Focus on the Ride

The dash is designed by Zero to quickly and accurately provide information on speed, charge and motor temperature. For 2012, the Zero S allows riders to set the motorcycle’s performance to either Sport or Eco.

* Sport / Eco switch to allow riders to select motorcycle performance
* New high intensity headlight
* Exceptionally accurate charge indicator
* New and innovative State of Charge (SOC) algorithm
* Ergonomic and durable switch gear (for operation of lights, turn signals, etc.)
* Keyed ignition switch and steering lock for improved security and peace of mind
* More comfortable seat to accommodate longer rides

Gearing: Maintenance Free Belt Drive

Featuring a clutchless direct drive, the Zero S is geared for rapid acceleration and increased efficiency. Using a maintenance free belt system, the Zero S is able to achieve minimal frictional losses. This increases its overall range and channels power more efficiently into speed. The result is a motorcycle that is quick and responsive.

* New maintenance free and virtually silent belt drive system
* Clutchless one speed that simplifies operation
* Geared for rapid acceleration and maximum efficiency
* Minimal maintenance

Specifications:

On Friday June 1st Sun Powersports will host the Toyota Trucks Pro Motocross National Fan Fest.meet and get autographs from all of your favorite riders.

On Saturday June 2nd head out to Thunder Valley Motocross Park to watch the top riders battle on the demanding Thunder Valley circuit.

The multi- AMA/ FIM Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Champion makes his debut for the Yoshimura Suzuki team at next weekend’s opening round of the AMA Pro Motocross series; the Hangtown MX in Sacramento in California.

Stewart has already been out testing on his home track in Florida – and also at Glen Helen – and is looking at home, fluid; and super-fast on the new Yoshimura Factory RM-Z450.

The team will now be known as FIXI Crescent Suzuki and the new-look livery, featuring additional FIXI branding; will be on show at Donington this weekend, when the squad will be going all out for glory on their Suzuki GSX-R’s in-front of the team’s home fans.

Crescent teamed up with FIXI – one of London’s leading independent brokerage houses – in 2011 as a partner for its British Superbike team. The institutional foreign exchange specialists then made the step up to WSBK with the Dorset-based squad for this season, but has now expanded its involvement to become the title sponsor.

FIXI PLC is an independent brokerage house based in the heart of London’s financial district and offers a worldwide service for its clients from offices in Chicago – and the soon to be opened Singapore and Hong Kong branches – which will give it a complete global coverage.

FIXI does not service the retail market directly, but it does have partnerships and provide liquidity to regulated retail brokerages within the Institutional and Professional market. FIXI prides itself on being able to reach out globally and providing bespoke services to its clients wherever they are based and offer innovative and state-of-the-art technology to its clients and partners in leading global financial centres. For more details about FIXI: CLICK HERE

Paul Denning – Team Principal:

“FIXI first became a partner of the Crescent Suzuki Superbike team last year in BSB and we’re very fortunate that FIXI’s global aspirations in the professional FX market match Crescent Suzuki’s in the World Superbike Championship for 2012. Everybody knows that the commercial situation worldwide is tough and that sports sponsorships are increasingly difficult to secure, so we are both proud and delighted that FIXI has decided to extend the 2012 partnership to title sponsor; we intend to re-pay FIXI’s trust in full. Despite a tough start to the season we very much hope that this change of livery – with more prominent FIXI branding from Donington Park onwards – coincides with the team fighting for the podium.”

Richard Wynn – CEO FIXI PLC:

“We are delighted to be stepping up to title sponsor of the Crescent Suzuki World Superbike team because the opportunity to carry our brand globally in such a premium event was too good to miss. When Paul approached us earlier in the season to partner the team we were happy to be associated with Crescent Suzuki on the world stage and to make the step up to title sponsor is a big involvement for FIXI, but one that I think suits our business profile very well. This is our second season with the Crescent team after being with them last year at British Superbike level and they are a great team to work with and we are pleased to be with them as title sponsors.

“FIXI provides Foreign Exchange trading applications and liquidity to the professional market place. Since 2006 we have extended our operation to Chicago and, more recently Singapore and Hong Kong. The Foreign Exchange market is constantly evolving. Our technology and ambitions match those of Crescent. WSBK is a fantastic venue broadcasting worldwide to audiences who can associate themselves with the bikes and the fantastic venues give FIXI the opportunity to entertain clients and target new areas to distribute the brand.”

(Suzuki)