Camier to defend Supersport crown with Northpoint.

2005 British Supersport champion Leon Camier will defend his title in 2006 after signing to replace Foggy Petronas bound title rival Craig Jones at Northpoint Honda Racing.

Camier was crowned champion after collecting four race wins and three other podium finishes on a Padgetts Honda, but also impressed on the international scene while riding for Moriwaki Racing in the Suzuka 8-hour Endurance race alongside Naoki Matsudo.

Leon will be joining an outfit that finished second and joint third in the 2005 BSS series - courtesy of Jones and team-mate Cal Crutchlow - and which Honda has now made its official Supersport team for 2006.

"I'm looking forward to defending my title and I'm excited about doing that with Northpoint Honda Racing," said Camier. "With the support of Honda Racing, Gary [Ekerold - team principal] has been able to offer me an extremely competitive set-up for next season. I already feel comfortable aboard the CBR600RR, but I can't wait to start testing again."

19-year-old Camier will ride alongside 20-year-old Crutchlow, who has been retained by the team for a third consecutive season. Crutchlow has been racing since 1999 and finished the 2005 Supersport series tied with Ducati rider Stuart Easton for third.

"I am excited about another season in Supersport. It's a fantastic championship and I think that the fierce competition within the series is helping me to develop my skills as a rider," said Cal. "I'm looking forward to testing with my new team-mate as soon as possible so that we are ready for next season."

"I am already looking forward to next season and I believe that we are definitely capable of winning the championship," declared Ekerold. "We have two excellent riders and Honda Racing is helping to provide a strong package for the championship. The CBR600RR has been proven to be the most competitive machine in the series and we are determined to use that to our advantage."

"I'm pleased to be able to confirm that we are supporting the Ekerold-run team in the 2006 British Supersport Championship," stated Honda Racing team manager Neil Tuxworth. "We were impressed with the team's performance this year and hope to be able to help them improve next season. Camier and Crutchlow are both strong riders and we hope that they will benefit from Honda Racing's support."