BMW Motorrad’s Leon Haslam makes progress with new electronics on his S1000RR – WSBK news
BMW Motorrad rider Leon Haslam has shown significant progress at the Portimao circuit in Portugal.
The Brit rider tested the new electronics developed for the BMW S1000RR machine that he will run in 2012 World Superbike Championship.
He posted impressive lap times during the test outing surpassing his previous performance records at the track.
Haslam said, “I am very happy. It was very good to come back to Portimao and set constantly quick lap times on this track, on which we were not so competitive last season. This shows that we have taken a really good step forward, particularly in regard to
the engine characteristic and the electronics.”
While testing the new electronic the crew sorted a well balance setting for the chassis that complimented the electronics.
It has been reported that the company has fitted the machine with PI software. The team planned a switch to the Magneti Marelli. However, Haslam has performed well with the new settings, which is most important for the team.
In the 2011 WSBK season, Haslam also complained about the lack of traction in the machine. He said that the machine is powerful and has a lot of boost but if it sticks to the ground, otherwise there is a lot of wheel spin.
The Brit ended his 2011 season in the fifth place, being the fastest BMW rider in the championship.
In last week he also tested the machine at the Jerez circuit in Spain and took the top slots in the time sheet for the first day. The test outing was conducted for three days.
The Brit added, “The team will now use the coming two months to prepare everything for Australia. If we continue in this direction, everything is looking good for Phillip Island. I will now return to England and have an intensive fitness programme with my
trainer lined up for December and January.”
The 2012 season inaugural race is due at Phillip Island in Australia. Haslam reckons with the pace of progress it seems that the team is doing a great job for the season start.
Following the completion of test session he will return to his home and continue a fitness programme for the start of the news season.
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