BSB: Haslam: 'It couldn't have gone better'

Leon Haslam got his 2017 MCE British Superbike campaign off to a perfect start this weekend with a double victory at Donington Park.

The wins were even more crucial for the JG Speedfit Kawasaki rider with main rival Shane Byrne, who beat him to the 2016 title, out of action after suffering a concussion following a crash in morning warm-up.

On the pace throughout the weekend, Haslam once again demonstrated his ability to set fast lap times on the harder option Pirelli rear tyre to dominate both the opening and second races. While James Ellison and Josh Brookes would take the lead early on in the respective races, they were no problem for Haslam as he reeled them in and cleared off to win by a significant gap on both occasions.  

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“The weekend couldn’t have gone any better,” he said. “Throughout the races I felt I was taking it easy and my lap times were quicker than they were last year, especially at the end of the race.

“Last year we were 36 points behind Shakey after two technical issues at round one, this year we’re 50 points ahead and 10 podium points. It’s definitely a better start and it’s great to get two wins here, which while it’s my home track it’s also been a bit of a bogey track for me.

“It was frustrating for Shakey not to be on track, but that’s racing! That being said, the Showdown format means he can afford to have a round away and he’ll be strong when he comes back at Brands.” 

For more on Haslam’s dream double, pick up this week’s MCN. 

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