Leon Camier has completed his first Crescent Suzuki World Superbike test at the Portimao circuit in Portugal on a positive note despite some teething troubles in the early stages.

The three-day test, held under sunny conditions at the 2.915-mile Algarve circuit, saw Camier experiencing very unusual front brake issues on the first day.

However, thanks to hard work by the team and Brembo supplying the latest 2012 callipers, the problem was resolved and Camier was able to concentrate his efforts on the chassis set-up as well as the new Yoshimura engine and Motec ECU firmware on the GSX-R1000.

The final day threw some further challenges at Camier’s side of the garage, but Camier and the team steadily improved to post a best lap time of 1:43:7 on race tyres, just one second off leader Eugene Laverty’s best lap set on his Aprilia.

Due to a setting sun and dwindling track temperatures, Camier was not able to post a faster lap-time on soft tyres.

“Unfortunately we had a few issues throughout the test, which can easily happen with new parts and systems, but I must say I really like the initial feel of the bike,” Camier said.

“The first day was pretty much lost due to the front brake problem and we had some issues with the new electronics – so there is still a lot to try out still with the chassis to find the exactly right set-up for me.

“But at least we now know what needs to be done and we can head in the right direction at the next test, where I hope to get a lot more time out on track to find my ideal setting and post some faster lap times.”

Recently-crowned British Supersport Champion Alastair Seeley, standing in as test rider for John Hopkins as the Californian recovers from hand surgery, was able to work through a huge range of electronic development strategies.

On his first visit to the circuit and his first ride on the Crescent GSX-R1000 Suzuki, Seeley posted an impressive 1.43.5 on the final day of testing.