Haslam meets goals in first Stiggy test
Added on Friday, November 7th, 2008 by Carole Nash Editor
Haslam hopeful of success with Stiggy.
Leon Haslam is happy with his progress as both he and Stiggy Honda begins life in the World Superbikes Championship.
Haslam, who took up a wildcard ride with HM Plant Honda at last weekend’s final round of the WSB championship in Portimao, officially began life as a World Superbikes rider this week in the post-season test with Stiggy Honda.
The former British Superbikes rider and new teammate Roberto Rolfo both took to the course on a WSB-spec Paul Bird Motorsport Honda, with Haslam, who claimed a podium finish on a BSB-spec bike on Sunday, clocking the seventh best time over the test.
Managing a best lap of 1:44.6, four tenths quicker than experienced Honda rider Rolfo, Haslam was pleased with his first impressions of the machine.
“I’m really happy! It has been a positive two day shakedown for us,” said Haslam.
“The team works really well and we found out a lot of information about the bike. I managed a 1:44, only 0.5 off my best time with HM-Plant last weekend, so I’m happy with that. My goal for today was to get in the 1:44s and I’m pleased we managed that.
“We know what we need to change and what work has to be done for the next test, so that’s good.”
The result will give plenty of optimism for team owner John Stigfelt as he ramps up the team’s testing activity in the coming months.
“In the Supersport class we were using the same bikes in the test as this season - except for the suspension where we tried some new parts from Ohlins,” he explained.
“The test was just to let our riders get a first impression of the team, the machinery and find their right positions on the bikes.
“In the SBK class we are using only one bike at the moment, with Leon and Roby sharing it so that they can evaluate the engine and electronics side for the first time.”
