Honda have this morning announced they will retain Leon Haslam for the 2021 WorldSBK season alongside Alvaro Bautista.
Haslam’s relationship with Honda has been illustrious, with the British rider set to start his 100th race for the Japanese firm in Race 2 at Estoril this weekend – only the fourth rider in WorldSBK to achieve this milestone after Aaron Slight (163), Jonathan Rea (140) and Colin Edwards (127).
His last podium for Honda came in the wet of Magny-Cours in 2014, his first one coming as a wildcard at Portimao back in 2008. Haslam’s sort-after versatility has seen him at the forefront of Honda’s factory comeback to WorldSBK in 2020, with him topping the first public test that the all-new CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade took part in.
“To say I’m pleased about renewing my contract with Team HRC would be an understatement,” said Haslam.
“This year has been difficult, with Covid-19 and limited test sessions, but I knew right from the start that this project has great potential and so to have a second year in which to continue developing the Fireblade and working with the team is very important to me.
“I’m really confident that we can be fighting for the top steps of the podium in SBK and that’s my ultimate goal, so to work towards this with Honda and Team HRC is fantastic. I’m excited and can’t wait for the 2021 season to get underway.”
