Stiggy Honda's Leon Haslam hopes that a new engine which he has been developing with his engineers in Italy will give him the corner exit acceleration he needs to get back on the podium.

Haslam spent a few days with the engine builders Oral reviewing the Fireblade's engine spec and maps after a planned test day close to the engineer's base was cancelled.

“We’ve got some improvements to the engine and I’ve been in Italy for the past week to try and make the next step in terms of engine development with the guys at Oral Engineering," said the former British Superbike star.

“I’ve raced at Misano four times but never on the new layout since they reversed the direction. As ever, we’ll go into Friday’s opening practice with a plan and hope to build from there."