The signing of Leon Haslam completes BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s rider line-up for the 2011 season of the FIM Superbike World Championship. Haslam will be riding a BMW S 1000 RR alongside two-times world champion Troy Corser.
Leon Haslam said: “I’ve watched the progress of the BMW S 1000 RR in the past two seasons and the almost constant improvement of the machine has been very impressive. I’m very much looking forward to riding the bike and experiencing what I’ve been watching for myself.
“The team has shown they have the potential to go all the way and they have the factory support required so I’m hopeful that I can add the extra little bit that is needed to win some races. I’m really grateful to BMW for showing such faith in me and patience during some difficult times and we’re looking forward to a successful 2011.”
Berthold Hauser, BMW Motorrad’s Motorsport Director, said: “We’re extremely excited about working with Troy and Leon in 2011. This rider pairing brings together a wealth of expertise and youthful fighting spirit. We’re very pleased to have not only a double world champion in our team for next year, but also the runner-up in the 2010 World Championship. It’s just the right combination for our recently formed team at this stage of the project.
“We’ve been watching Leon for a long time now and have been more than impressed by his strengths as a rider. We’re extremely happy to welcome him into our team. We have a strong pair of riders in Troy and Leon and we are in no doubt that we’ll be able to achieve our ambitious aims with them on board. We would also like to thank Ruben Xaus, who over the last two years has helped to make the team what it is today. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Leon Haslam rider profile:
Date of birth: 31st May 1983
Place of birth: Smalley/Derbyshire (GBR)
Residence: Smalley/Derbyshire (GBR)
Marital status: Engaged
Height: 1.73 m
Weight: 67 kg
Hobbies: Golf, wakeboarding, mountain-biking
Passion: My family, motor racing
Favourite circuits: Phillip Island, Assen, Silverstone
First bike: Honda QR 50
First race: 1987, Argentina, 50cc class
Career highlights: 2006/2008: 2nd in British Superbike Championship
2010: WSBK, Kyalami (RSA), Race 2
2010: Currently 2nd in the WSBK riders’ standings
WSBK history: 82 races, 19 podiums, 3 wins, 9 second places and 7 third
places, 1 pole position, 2 fastest race laps
Website: www.leonhaslam.com
