WSS: Haslam to replace Sofuoglu for Jerez and Qatar?

Leon Haslam looks set to stand in for the injured Kenan Sofuoglu for the last two rounds of the Supersport World Championship.

According to multiple MCN sources, Haslam, who is favourite to win the 2017 British Superbike title this weekend, will replace the five-time World Champion for the remaining rounds at Jerez and Qatar after Sofouglu broke his hip in three places during qualifying at Magny Cours.

Before the crash, the Turkish ace was in a strong position to clinch a record sixth World Supersport title, but there’s still a slim chance Kawasaki could claim the manufacturers’ crown as they sit 25 points off Yamaha.

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Haslam has no racing experience on a 600cc machine, but rode a 748 Ducati in the British Supersport series for five races before being promoted to the Superbike class in 2003.

However, Haslam does have vast experience at the two tracks he’ll race as well as being familiar with Sofuoglu’s Puccetti Kawasaki team after a successful wildcard in the Superbike class with the Italian squad at Donington Park earlier this year.

He finished on the podium in Jerez with Aprilia in his final full year in WorldSBK and took victory in Qatar, before returning to the Losail last year and finishing fifth as a wildcard with Pedercini Kawasaki. 

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