British Superbikes: Jack Valentine denies Leon Haslam protest

Rizla Suzuki Team Manager Jack Valentine has rejected the suggestions made by HM Plant Honda that he and his Rizla Suzuki team protested the move made by Leon Haslam that cost Tom Sykes a race two finish at Oulton Park.

Haslam has had his fourth position and 13 points taken away from him for ‘careless riding in the course of a meeting’ according to Judicial Clerk of the Cheshire circuit.

Haslam and Sykes collided at Hizzy’s when the HM Plant rider tried to take the lead; a repeat of what happened at Thruxton at the first race weekend of the year.

And although admittedly unhappy with the manoeuvre, Valentine has denied making a complaint about Haslam’s attempted overtake to the race organisers.

“The MCRCB looked closely at the accident and the rule book and made a decision off that,” said Valentine.

“Leon did come into the garage straight after the race and admitted it was one hundred per cent his fault and I thanked him for that.

“But there was no need to protest an incident like that because it was clear to see.

“I’m pleased the MCRCB recognised the crash, but I would never have protested it.”