Leon Haslam manages top position on the time sheets at Jerez – WSBK news
BMW Motorrad rider Leon Haslam continuously held the top position at the Portimao test session on the second day. The Brit was amused to sample the new machine that helped him to improve his performance.
On the second day, he recorded his best lap time at 1: 43.2 seconds. He managed to shred off 0.4 of a second form his first day’s best lap time.
His best lap time on the initial day at Portimao was recorded as 1: 43.6 seconds that reserved the first place on the time sheet.
He continued to work on the new electronics and software on the 2012 BMW S1000RR machine. He claimed it to be a good progressive day after a huge effort
Haslam said, “I was able to reduce my average time on the hard tyre and then when we used the softer tyre I went quicker even though I only got one lap on it because the session was red-flagged. I actually made a few mistakes on that lap and it was done
in the afternoon when no one seemed to be going any faster.”
The British WSBK rider was pleased with his improved pace that came after installing new electronics.
While his impressive performance on the track the second place on the time sheet was taken by Eugene Laverty on board Aprilia.
The Irishman ended his 2011 WSBK season in fourth place on the points table. During the test session he also experienced a crash. He faced a high-side while entering a the turn 10 on the seconds day’s outing.
His best lap time for the second day’s session was recorded at 1: 43.3 seconds.
While talking to motorcyclenews.com, Laverty said, “It was a big one alright! I lost the rear, saved it, lost the rear again, saved it again but the third time it threw me off in a big way. I just couldn’t catch my breath to start with but I’m basically
alright.”
The Irish rider escaped any injury but faced high blow from the crash, as he stood on his knees for about 30 seconds after the crash.
It was marked as his first crash aboard the Aprilia machine. His last crash was in June at the Misano International Circuit on a YamahaR1.
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