Leon Camier will be challenging with the front runners of the World Superbike Championship next season after finally sealing a deal with the Aprilia factory team.

The 23-year-old (pictured) from Ashford was guest rider for the Italian team at the final two rounds of the 2009 season, doing enough to convince the team to hand him the seat on the RSV4 machine.

"It’s an awesome move for me and the potential of the team is really good," said Camier.

He finished sixth and seventh during the final round in Portimao (Portugal) to complete a hugely successful season where he was crowned British Superbike champion by a massive margin. He set a championship record with 18 wins from 26 races.

The team’s potential was shown last season with Max Biaggi clinching a fourth place finish in the world championship. Biaggi is staying on and will give Camier plenty of guidance as he enters the world stage next season.