WSB Miller: Haslam loses championship lead after race two crash

Leon Haslam was forced to surrender the world superbike lead he has held since the opening race of 2010 after he suffered a dramatic high side in race two. The Alstare Suzuki rider who celebrated his 27th birthday on race day had fought his way up from tenth to second in the opening race and was determined to secure another podium in race two.

After another poor start off the second row of the grid Haslam was down in tenth place again, but was soon charging through the field in his pursuit of a podium spot. Having progressed up to sixth place the three time race winner suffered a spectacular high side which resulted in him splitting open his left elbow when he landed. Haslam was treated in the circuit medical centre where he had 17 internal stitches to close the wound and was also diagnosed with a chipped bone.

Speaking to MCN, Haslam said: “I’d worked my way up through Johnny, Xaus and the other guys, but I was struggling a little bit with grip compared to race one. I’ve looked at the data and I didn’t do anything different compared to the previous lap but the rear just let go and it was a big high side and I came down on my elbow.

“I’m obviously frustrated but I don’t think I would have beaten Max regardless as he had a bit of an advantage here. Obviously he was gifted the win with Checa going out and I think I could have worked my way up to catch the group with Cal and Camier. I would have been happy to accept two seconds, but I didn’t so it’s been a tough one.

“It’s my first crash and there is still half a season to go. I’m frustrated because this is the first race this year where I don’t think I had the chance to win. Aside from Monza this is the first weekend where I didn’t have the package. 

“Whatever I’m feeling I’m gutted for Carlos, he deserved both the wins today and it wasn’t down to him having a fast bike. He’s been riding really well.”

• Photo by Chris Gill/WestBoundary Photography and DucatiCorsa.com