Having finished a disappointing sixth at the opening round of the 2011 SPEA FIM X-Trial World Championship in Genoa, Cookridge's James Dabill (Beta) is hoping to improve when the series visits Marseille for the second of six rounds this weekend.

With aspirations of breaking into the top three this season, Dabill knows he will have to up his game in France if he is to realise his long-held ambition.

"I was a little disappointed when I finished sixth at round one in Genoa," explained Dabill.

"There are only six rounds in the championship, so you cannot really afford to make any mistakes and have a bad day.

"I know I need to do better if I am to improve on my fourth place finish overall last year. I believe that I can challenge for a podium at each round, and that is my aim now."

Having recently switched from Gas Gas to Beta, helping him achieve that goal in 2011 is a new team, and a new bike.

It is a big departure for a man that saw his performances and results steadily improve during a two-year tenure with Gas Gas.

In addition, he has the extra responsibility of being Beta's No 1 rider.

"The team have made me feel very welcome and they have been working really hard to give me a great bike with which to get results,", said Dabill.

"I am getting on really well with everyone at Beta, and the bike is lovely. I am very happy, and I do not feel any great pressure or responsibility.

"I do not think people will look at me any differently this year just because I am deemed the No 1 rider in the Beta set-up.

"I think people will still think 'There is James Dabill'. Not 'There is Beta's No 1 rider."

So pressure is not an issue.

The series' stop off in Marseille is renowned for the unique sections that litter the small, but atmospheric Palais des Sport arena.

It is certainly one of the toughest events on the calendar, and last year Dabill could only manage fifth place behind a quartet of in-form Spaniards, spearheaded by Albert Cabestany (Sherco) and Toni Bou (Repsol Montesa).

"Marseille is always one of the hardest indoor rounds," proclaimed Dabill.

"The sections are quite technical, plus it gets really hot in there so the heat takes its toll on you physically.

"I prefer the bigger stuff, so it is perhaps not my ideal layout. However, I will travel to France feeling confident.

"I have been working hard, training in Italy and Spain, and I have a great bike. The team is putting in 100 oer cent to ensure I feel comfortable on it. I cannot wait to get back out there and mount a serious challenge for the podium."