Leon Haslam will race for Moto Rapido Racing in the 2025 British Superbike season. After the announcement, he discussed his decision to change teams with BSN.
After spending two years with ROKiT Haslam Racing BMW Motorrad, Leon Haslam announced that he will be changing teams in 2025. Haslam will join Moto Rapido Racing next season, with the Winchester-based team aiming to win the British Superbike title.
Since winning the British Superbike title in 2018 Haslam spent three years in World Superbikes before returning to Britain in 2022. Since his return, Haslam has finished 11th, fifth and ninth with Kawasaki and BMW.
Haslam chose not to ride for his team in 2025 and was close to signing a deal with a different manufacturer before considering Ducati. The 'Pocket Rocket' was thinking about competing in both the World Endurance Championship and British Superbikes next year. However, in an exclusive interview with BSN, Haslam shared details about his 'exciting' opportunity to sign with Moto Rapido Racing.
“Obviously, it is a bit of a weight off of my shoulders after deciding we would not continue with my own team and BMW," Haslam told BSN. "It was quite a nice surprise once we made that decision after having several options. But it is pretty exciting.”
'Wilf and Ducati reached out over the Brands weekend, it was such a positive conversation that progressed very fast.'
Haslam had been in discussions with various teams and manufacturers regarding potential rides for the 2025 season. However, at the 2024 series finale, the Team Owner of Moto Rapido Racing, Steve 'Wilf' Moore, approached Haslam. Their conversation filled the 41-year-old rider with 'enthusiasm', ultimately leading him to sign with the team.
“They approached me," Haslam said. "To be honest it was not long before the last round that we decided we were not going to continue with the BMW and ROKiT Haslam Racing. There were a lot of discussions about riding for other teams in the UK, all different manufacturers from Kawasaki to BMW. BMW were being, I would say indecisive, over where they were going to put their support and effort in 2025.
"So, there were talks of me going to AMA and World Endurance. Again, there were a couple of different potential manufacturers in World Endurance. It was clear I needed to come up with a plan for what I wanted to do as a rider.
"There were weeks around Brands and coming up to Brands where it was kind of open. Then Wilf and Ducati reached out over the Brands weekend, it was such a positive conversation that progressed very, very fast. I had been in discussions with other teams, even to the point of discussing and receiving contracts. But the conversation we had with Wilf, the enthusiasm to go and win and the enthusiasm of wanting somebody who can bite the screen and give it a good go. For me as a rider, I have not had that for a fair few years now."
'It is a one year, but we have an option for a second year.'
Haslam announced that his agreement with Moto Rapido Racing is for one year, with an option for a second season. He expressed interest in riding the new bike Ducati plans to release in 2026 and hopes to continue with Moto Rapido for two years.
The seasoned Superbike rider understands that he must be competitive in 2025 to secure his future with the team and Ducati.
“It is a one-year deal, but we have an option for a second year," Haslam revealed. "Ducati is bringing out a new bike in 2026, this current model of Ducati has been out for a few years now and Ducati always hits the ground running with a new model.
"It would be nice to continue across the two years and jump on the new model in 2026. I believe that this is the aim of both parties. For me, it is an exciting thing for the future, but from my perspective, I need to give it a good go every year and get rid of some of these injuries I have been dealing with.”
'My first ever World Championship podium, and my first ever British Superbike win, all happened with Ducati.'
Although Haslam has never ridden the Ducati Panigale V4 R, he has a history as a Ducati rider in both British and World Superbikes. Haslam made his debut in the Superbike class on a Ducati 998 RS with Renegade Ducati.
The last time Haslam raced for the Italian manufacturer was in 2007 when he competed on a Ducati 999 F06 for Airwaves Ducati in the British Superbikes series.
Since then, he has maintained contact with Ducati and has developed strong relationships with key figures such as Paolo Ciabbatti.
“2007 was the last time I was on a Ducati," Haslam said. "I know Ducati very well, I actually spoke to Paolo Ciabatti last year. There was the potential of doing something with Ducati last season, and we helped the McManus team out with getting connections in Ducati.
"I am still very friendly with a lot of people in Ducati, they gave me my first go in Superbikes back in 2003. My first ever World Championship podium, and my first ever British Superbike win, all happened with Ducati.
"There is no doubt with where Ducati are as a manufacturer, everybody wants to get on one. From my perspective to be back with Ducati, to be with a team that has the same desire to win, that for me is what is really exciting.”
'I am here to win a Championship and the team deserve that.'
At 41, many riders might choose to retire from racing. However, Haslam is no ordinary rider. Born and raised around motorbikes, the former British Superbike Champion cannot get enough of racing.
Haslam is confident that he can still win a second British Superbike Championship and insists that the only reason he continues to race is to win.
“That is the only reason why I am continuing," Haslam said when asked if he believes he could win the British Superbike title in 2025.
"I finished second three years in a row on the Ducati back in 2005, 06 and 07. From my perspective racing is about winning, that is why I do it and that is what I am aiming for. I would not have signed if I did not think it was possible, seconds and third are not why I have signed. I am here to win a Championship and the team deserve that and the Ducati is capable of it.”
