Haslam fast onboard BMW
Leon on pace whilst awaiting go ahead
Leon Haslam tested on a BMW M1000RR as he continues to work on a deal to be on the 2023 grid.
Challenging towards the top of the timesheets, Haslam rode what he labelled a hybrid BSB-spec machine having been in Spain since February with his academy riders.
Rumours have been circulating for several weeks regarding Haslam’s future, with his project potentially sharing sponsorship with the World Superbike Championship BMW squad.
MCN visited his garage in Navarra to find out more.
“It’s not actually sorted or confirmed yet, so I’m waiting for everything to fall into place,” Haslam said. “If the finance from sponsorship isn’t there, we won’t be running. Right now, we’re doing it ourselves and have help and support from the outside. If we can tick all the boxes, my plan is to be on the BSB grid.”
“Last year was tough, but I still feel I can win the championship so if we can create a package to do that, that’s what I want to do, but that’s easier said than done when it comes to managing finances.”
Haslam borrowed various parts for his bike and picked up bits on the way to Navarra in order to ride. Haslam last rode for BMW in the WSB factory team in 2011 and 2012, securing eight podiums.
“You know me, I like riding all sorts of bikes. Horsepower is never an issue for the BMW, and it seems to stop well. It struggled with regards to the championship last year, but in the final few rounds there were BMW riders on the podium. We must figure it out and understand it, but that’s half the challenge for everybody.
“We’re trying things in the hope that we can put this together. What I didn’t want to do is wait for it to be properly happening and have done no testing, and therefore not be ready. I’ve perused this like we’re going to do it, and if it doesn’t happen, then no regrets, but if we do, at least we’ve done plenty of the donkey work in Spain.”
‘At least we’ve done plenty of the work’