Editor

After a season marked by a number of problems, Leon Haslam will now surely be entering the six-week obligatory testing break with a smile on his face, after he and his BMW Motorrad Motosport team concluded a successful three-day test at the AIA Algarve circuit in Portugal. The British rider was finally able to try out a 2012-spec version of his S1000RR, with a series of changes running throughout the bike.


"I am very happy. It was very good to come back to Portimão and set constantly quick lap times on this track, on which we were not so competitive last season," said BMW Motorrad factory rider Leon Haslam. "This shows that we have taken a really good step forward, particularly in regard to the engine characteristic and the electronics. We also found very good settings with the new chassis. The team will now use the coming two months to prepare everything for Australia."


The new engine spec, the modified BMW electronics, new swingarm and changes in the aerodynamics, weight distribution and ergonomics allowed the Derby man to lap at a positive pace throughout the test. Haslam was quickest in the first two days, setting a best time of 1'43.1 on race tyres and 1'42.2 on qualifying tyres.


"If we continue in this direction, everything is looking good for Phillip Island. I will now return to England and have an intensive fitness programme with my trainer lined up for December and January. And I am really excited about the birth of our first child very soon."



Source: World Superbike

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