SBK, Haslam: Suzuka? I feel like I was on the moon

The Suzuka track and the 8 Hours hold few secrets for Leon Haslam. In 2013 and 2014 he did the double with Honda, the last rider to have reached the top step of the rostrum with said Japanese manufacturer.

After finishing second last year, the Brit was dreaming big with the Kawasaki this time around, but there was nothing to be done against Yamaha: “I think it's a great result – commented the Team Green rider, second across the line with Watanabe and Kamaruzaman – we couldn't have done any more. This is why I'm pleased – he added – especially after the head to head with the Honda of Aegerter. We also set the same times as van der Mark, Lowes and Nakasuga”.

His face at the end of the race needs little explanation: “I feel like I was on the moon – he reveals – it was the toughest 8 Hours ever for me. Before the race, I thought doing five stints would be ideal - he concluded – but it turned out to be more complicated than expected. In 2018 I'll be doing all I can to win again”.

The race really put Leon to the test, so much so that he had to miss the post-race press conference due to dehydration.