Haslam becomes latest Brit to make WSB move
Added on Monday, October 6th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Haslam becomes latest Brit to make WSB move
Leon Haslam has become the latest BSB rider to graduate to the World Superbikes Championship after signing for the Stiggy Honda team for 2009.
The HM Plant Honda rider, who currently lies in second place in the British Superbike Championship, will join Johan Stigefelt’s Honda-backed team, who are themselves stepping up to WSB from the World Supersport class.
Haslam, who finished eighth as a WSB wildcard at Donington back in September, becomes the fourth BSB rider to move onto the World Superbikes circuit, joining Shane Byrne, Tom Sykes and HM Plant Honda teammate Cal Crutchlow.
“To get the opportunity to join the Stiggy Team is excellent news for me,” said Haslam. “The team that Johan is putting together for his move into Superbike World Championship, and the technical package he is preparing, is all very exciting. I’m sure we will be competitive in 2009. I’m looking forward to working with the team and I’m very pleased to be able to continue both my own and my family’s association with Honda.”
For manager Stigefelt, the step up to WSB is an exciting time for the team and the Swede has high hopes for his new rider.
“I’m really happy to increase our team by entering the Superbikes World Championship and continuing our close relationship with Honda Motor Europe,” said Stigefelt.” Next year will be a huge challenge for all of us, but I believe we are ready for it. After four years of knowledge and experience in the Supersport class, we are looking forward to this new adventure. We have high expectations and will work our hardest to achieve our goals.”
“To get Leon on board is great news for us. He has the experience that I need to ensure that the development of our Superbike project runs smoothly. You only have to look at his dominance in recent British Superbike rounds to see his natural ability and desire to win.”
