Pata Honda’s Leon Haslam should be able to challenge for a brace of top-five finishes at this weekend’s Qatar World Superbike finale even though there is a murderously-long straight at the Losail circuit.

His technical chief Pieter Breddels believes that although the ageing Fireblade will be at a disadvantage again on top speed, the fast changes of direction in sectors two and three should suit.

“I hope we can continue a strong end to the season for Leon, because it was great to see him on the podium at Magny-Cours. I think he should be able to challenge for top five finishes because, despite the really long straight at the Losail circuit, the fast changes of direction on the other parts of the circuit should suit the CBR well,” said Breddels.