Leon Camier narrowly missed out on a top-10 finish in the sixth round of the World Superbike Championship in Utah.

FIXI Crescent Suzuki rider Camier, who finished 13th in the opening race, came 11th in race two after a long battle with Sylvain Guintoli.

The Ashford rider (pictured) was happy with his performance, having started 20th on the grid on Monday.

He said: "We knew it would be difficult because of our grid position.

"This championship is so competitive that you need to be on the first two rows of the grid if you want a shot at the podium.

"I made good starts and progressed well in both races and rode as hard as I could. They were tough races but I was happy with my pace and know that I could’ve finished a lot higher up if I had started with a better grid position.

"I feel we’ll definitely be better at the more twisty tracks – like our next race in Misano – and I am looking forward to qualifying better and fighting for a top-six or a podium."

Suzuki team manager Jack Valentine praised Camier who finished 15 seconds behind race winner Marco Melandri.

He said: "I’m happy because he did everything we asked of him.

"He kept the bike upright and brought it home in both races.

"If he had qualified on the first two rows of the grid, I think his race pace would’ve been good enough for a top-six finish."

The next round at Misano, in Italy is on June 10.