Leon Camier's two-round stint with the Aprilia Racing team got off to a disappointing start after technical issues prevented the Briton from turning in a pair of respectable results at Magny-Cours.

Fresh from being crowned the 2009 British Superbike Champion, Camier was making his debut for the Italian team at Magny-Cours in preparation for a possible switch to the manufacturer at World Superbike level next season.

Riding the RSV-4 for the first time in Friday practice, an additional lack of knowledge of the French circuit would also posed an additional challenge for the 23-year-old.

Nonetheless, after qualifying in a solid 16th position, Camier made brisk progress in both races, overcoming a poor start during the first encounter to get as high as 11th before an electrical problem forced him to retire just three laps from the chequered flag.

Camier looked set for an even better result in race two after clawing his way up to ninth having impressively dispatched of Troy Corser and Fonsi Nieto, only for another mechanical problem to force him into the pit lane.

A frustrating end to what could have been a decent pair of results, Camier was still happy with his rapid rate of progress after just three days on the bike.

“I'm really gutted not to have been able to get any results for the Aprilia team, we've not had a problem all weekend with the bike and then in both races we had to retire. I was feeling good out there and was happy at the progress I made in both races and was pushing for a top ten position.

“I've learnt so much in the last three days and it's been a real rollercoaster of a weekend. I just hope that I can qualify a little better at Portimao and get two good results there for the Aprilia.

Set to return to his familiar Airwaves Yamaha machine for the final round of the British Superbike Championship before jumping back on the Aprilia for Portimao, Camier is targeting a better performance in Portugal

“In the meantime I'll return to my normal duties at Airwaves Yamaha for the final round of the British Superbike Championship at Oulton Park next weekend before heading to Portimao the following weekend and back on the Aprilia. I'd like to thank the Aprilia team for this opportunity and hope things will go better at the last round.”