WSBK: Haslam Impresses With Two Top Five Finishes In France
Minor issues prevent Haslam from stepping on the podium
Leon Haslam proved once again his potential in the ultra competitive World Superbike Championship pulling off two impressive race performances, finishing the penultimate races of the 2009 season with two top five finishes at Magny-Cours.
Leon started race one from a sixth place and quickly moved up to take fourth place on lap one. Falling back to sixth after getting passed by both factory Ducati rider’s Haga and Fabrizio the Englishman immediately felt his rear tyre starting to slide. Haslam had to fight hard throughout the 23 lap race keeping his race pace up but finally crossed the finish-line in fifth place and as the best Honda rider.
In race two Leon settled in fifth place charging to catch the leading group in front of him and at the same time keeping Byrne behind him. Despite having some technical issues with his machine Haslam crossed the finish line in fifth place and is currently holding sixth place in the overall Championship standings with just one round remaining of the 2009 WSBK season.
Leon Haslam – Race 1 – 5th, Race 2 – 5th:
“We had a little problem in race one that held us back from the leaders. In race two, in the early part of the race, we had a lot better set-up. But after about lap six or seven the bike was surging a bit so I reset the electronics. A few minor things held us back from challenging for a podium or two but I am pretty happy to get a couple of fifths.”
Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager:
“Leon made two great races today. Two strong fifth places finishes and best Honda rider in race one, I can’t be more than satisfied. His good results today have strengthen his sixth place in the championship, closing in on fifth. I hope we can continue this success all the way to the end of the season in the next races at Portimao.
SBK RACE 1 RESULTS:
1. Spies. B
2. Haga. N
3. Biaggi. M
5. Haslam Leon, Stiggy Racing Honda
SBK RACE 2 RESULTS:
1. Haga. N
2. Biaggi. M
3. Rea. J
5. Haslam Leon, Stiggy Racing Honda
SBK Championship standings after round 13:
1. Spies. B, 413pts
2. Haga. N, 411pts
3. M Fabrizio, 343pts
4. M Biaggi, 273pts
5. J. Rea, 263pts
6. Leon Haslam, Stiggy Racing Honda, 263pts