Leon Haslam fastest in Valencia testing
By blue2bikes
November 24 2004
Leon Haslam has set out on his campaign for the 2005 British Superbike title at the Valencia three-day test, riding the Fila Ducati 999 F04 for the GSE Racing team.
At the Valencia circuit the ‘Pocket Rocket’ proved true to his name, as the fastest man out on the track against some strong opposition from other WSBK and BSB team riders.
Leon Haslam riding for Renegade in 2004 - photo by Raceline photography
Finding his way after running Pirelli tyres throughout his time in the World Superbike series this year, and now running on Dunlop shod machinery, Leon said, “It was a mega three days’ testing, ending up the quickest out there every day. It was a matter of getting used to the new bike along with the tyres, set-up, and bonding with the team.”
Although being unable to test at full race distance, Leon was only testing ten laps at a time, due to his wrist being heavily strapped up causing him some considerable pain and unable to complete full race distance.
It has now been arranged for Leon to undergo a further operation on his wrist in early December, in readiness to get himself fully fit for the BSB series next year. Leon went on to say that jumping on to a new set-up usually takes some time to get used to, but that on this bike he was more comfortable than during the whole of last season.
With Leon now returning to his home series, he is certainly in a good position to tackle all-comers for the British title, and will no doubt be a pleasure to watch. Leon astounded the doubters this year when he won a British Superbike round at Brands Hatch in terribly wet conditions - catching and passing all before him on a rain drenched circuit, when he’d been told to just go out and do a few laps for practice prior to his next WSBK race. His team-mate, Noriyuki Haga, had pulled out due to the bad conditions.
Leon said after the race, “I knew it was bad out there but I was enjoying myself, and halfway through realised I had a good chance of winning - and what a great Fathers’ Day present for my Dad!”
The British Superbike series will certainly be the one to watch next year, as more teams are readying them selves for the challenge ahead, so good luck Leon.
To buy the photograph shown above, visit Raceline Photography