Leon Haslam puts TPR Team Pedercini back in the points at Assen

Leon Haslam finished thirteenth in today’s second WorldSBK race at the TT Circuit Assen, with it giving TPR Team Pedercini their first championship of the season.

Haslam, who was drafted in as a last-minute rider substitute rode superbly all weekend, finishing all three races inside the top twenty, giving the entire squad huge motivation for the rest of the season ahead.

A small issue in Saturday’s opening race prevented the #91 from scoring in his return to the series, but on Sunday afternoon there was no denying the former championship runner up from securing a handful of points after a spirited and hard-fought battle.

Haslam will miss the next round of the series at Estoril due to his British Championship commitments but will be back on the TPR Kawasaki at Misano.

The team’s rider for round three of the FIM Superbike World Championship will be announced in due course.

Leon Haslam:
“It was a really positive weekend. We made lots of progress despite the little time on track that we had. Race 1 and the Superpole Race tough but we know where we can make some big steps but I have to say that Race 2 was the best feeling I had had with the bike all weekend. I was able to fight with several guys and our pace was not too far from those in the top ten so I am satisfied. Step by step we will continue to improve. I am pleased to get some points on the board for Lucio and the entire team who work so hard. See you in Misano.”

Lucio Pedercini – Team Principal:
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy here in Assen. Leon didn’t do any tests with us and didn’t ride in World SuperbIke since last year but his experience and professionalism helped us. Race 1 helped us to understand where to improve and in Race 2 we made a step forward. We can only get better from here on out.”