Racing News
After two seasons and 54 races with BMW, Leon Haslam ended his WSBK season with another frustrating race weekend at Magny-Cours, as crash.net reports.
Having already penned a deal to join PATA Honda in 2013, the British rider came to the French event looking for the race win that had eluded him throughout his time at BMW.
However, it was not to be; electronic issues slowed him to fifth place in Race One and he crashed out in Race Two, on the same wet patch that caught out teammate Marco Melandri just three laps earlier.
Between crashes and mechanical issues, Haslam was only the twelfth-highest highest scorer during the latter half of the season, as the 2010 runner-up trailer BMW Italia riders Ayrton Badovini and Michael Fabrizio.
“In race one I had a few issues with the grip and the electronics, and on top of that I made a few mistakes,” he said. “Finishing the race in fifth is a bit disappointing as I know a podium would have been possible. I had a good start in the second race, but struggled getting into first gear in a few corners.
“I also got a false neutral coming down the hill in the last stadium section. I had to release the brakes so as not to hit Eugene Laverty and ran off the track. I came back in eighth and tried to follow the group around Max Biaggi when I hit a wet patch. This put me down again. I am a bit disappointed about finishing the season this way, and I am also disappointed for my crew and the team who did an outstanding job all season long."
Haslam congratulated Max Biaggi for 2012 title, and spared a few thoughts for Tom Sykes, who finished so close. “Max Biaggi again was Mister Consistent, congratulations for another World Championship. I feel a bit sorry for Tom . Losing the World Championship by only half a point is hard to take.”––Paul Duchene
However, it was not to be; electronic issues slowed him to fifth place in Race One and he crashed out in Race Two, on the same wet patch that caught out teammate Marco Melandri just three laps earlier.
Between crashes and mechanical issues, Haslam was only the twelfth-highest highest scorer during the latter half of the season, as the 2010 runner-up trailer BMW Italia riders Ayrton Badovini and Michael Fabrizio.
“In race one I had a few issues with the grip and the electronics, and on top of that I made a few mistakes,” he said. “Finishing the race in fifth is a bit disappointing as I know a podium would have been possible. I had a good start in the second race, but struggled getting into first gear in a few corners.
“I also got a false neutral coming down the hill in the last stadium section. I had to release the brakes so as not to hit Eugene Laverty and ran off the track. I came back in eighth and tried to follow the group around Max Biaggi when I hit a wet patch. This put me down again. I am a bit disappointed about finishing the season this way, and I am also disappointed for my crew and the team who did an outstanding job all season long."
Haslam congratulated Max Biaggi for 2012 title, and spared a few thoughts for Tom Sykes, who finished so close. “Max Biaggi again was Mister Consistent, congratulations for another World Championship. I feel a bit sorry for Tom . Losing the World Championship by only half a point is hard to take.”––Paul Duchene
