Leon Camier conceded his hopes of finishing in the top five of the World Superbike standings are all but over after the Ashford rider finished behind compatriot Leon Haslam in both races of the penultimate round at Magny Cours.

Camier (pictured) currently occupies sixth overall, 22 points behind Haslam, but with only the final round of the season left to go in Portugal his top-five challenge appears to be dead in the water.

The Aprilia Alitalia rider actually enjoyed one of his best weekends of the season in France, finishing fourth in race one and sixth in the second to take his overall points tally to 194.

But the ‘Pocket Rocket’ Haslam was always that little bit ahead as he climbed the podium with a third in race one and narrowly missed out in race two, finishing fourth.

And without a contract sorted out for next season, Camier will head to Portugal for the final round in a fortnight’s time with a point to prove to potential suitors.

But the 25-year-old admitted that if it weren’t for tyre problems he could have really made an impression with some podium finishes at Magny Cours.

“We knew we had taken a gamble with our choice of tyre in the second race, but we needed more grip in order to keep up with the best and try for a podium,” he said.

“I tried to manage the wear as best as possible to get to the last laps with something left, but it just wasn't enough: in the end I didn't have any more grip and I had no choice but to give up positions.

“It's a shame because it was really important to stay ahead of Leon Haslam from a championship point of view. We'll try to end this season well at Portimao.”

WSB races will be shown on British Eurosport, with all European rounds in HD. British Eurosport – Sky channel 410 & Virgin Media 521. Eurosport HD is on Sky 412 & Virgin Media 522. Watch races live online at www.eurosportplayer.co.uk