WSBK: Haslam completes 2010 Suzuki move

Leon Haslam is targeting the World Superbike crown next season after confirming his switch to Alstare Suzuki.

The Briton, who has enjoyed a fantastic season with privateer outfit Stiggy Honda Racing, will join Sylvain Guintoli on one of two factory bikes, the first time that he will have full manufacturer support.

Currently sitting fifth in the standings thanks to four podium finishes, Haslam was quick to talk up his title chances in 2010, despite the Japanese constructor’s relatively poor showing this term, largely down to injuries sustained by outgoing riders Max Neukirchner and Yukio Kagayama.

“The opportunity to join Team Suzuki Alstare was something that my father and I took extremely seriously immediately,” he said. “The team enjoys direct support from the manufacturer and a long history of success, so joining them offers me an exciting step forward in my career.

“Meeting Francis (Batta) and listening to his plans and desire to succeed confirmed the potential of the whole team and its infrastructure.

“Suzuki Alstare has a very experienced team of technicians and potential for development, both in-house and via the factory in Japan. This means that the team is 100 per cent geared up to win the 2010 World Superbike Championship.

“This is naturally opening a new chapter in my own career and one that I relish. The team has a promising winter test plan (with the Suzuki factory) so I'm very much looking forward to these tests, the 2010 World Superbike Championship and challenging for the world title.”

Catch the 2009 WSBK title run-in on Motors TV.
 

Tom Hornsby