Leon Haslam has decided to stay with World Superbikes BMW Motorrad Motorsport team for another season.
The British rider who currently lies fifth in 2011 standings has opted to stay with German manufacturer, despite some recent rumors that he was tired of fighting against the in-house electronics that the team is using (wanting to check out the differences between his and BMW Italia’s Ayrton Badovini bikes).
BMW has dropped a bundle of money into their racing project, but the S1000RR still isn’t up to par as a title contender in it’s third year since their WSBK debut.
According to BMW their second rider will be announced at a later date, as it seems that team mate and veteran Troy Corser could be retiring at the end of this season, while Marco Melandri has been one of the few names bandied around to replace him.
Leon Haslam said: “I am really happy to continue the relationship with BMW Motorrad, and I have full faith in the project.
I cannot wait for the next year to start and to fight for the World Championship again.
Now I can fully focus on the final three rounds of the 2011 season.
I am optimistic to finish the year on a high.
”“We’re delighted to be working with Leon again next season,” says BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Bernhard Gobmeier.
“Leon has impressed us from day one.
We value and share his ambition, passion and absolute will to win.
I’m in no doubt that we’ll be able to achieve our goals together.
”
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