Haslam upbeat ahead of Qatar race

Leon Haslam feels retaining his early momentum in the FIM World Superbike Championship will be a tall order, but at least heads into the next round in Qatar fully refreshed.

Haslam made a superb start to the season by taking sixth and third places in the opening two races at Phillip Island, Australia, with his new Stiggy Motorsport Honda team.

That has left the Briton in third place in the standings, trailing leader Noriyuki Haga of Japan by 21 points, but just five points behind second-placed Max Neukirchner from Germany.

Although Haslam has no intention of resting on his laurels, he appreciates the task at hand ahead of the two races at the Losail circuit next weekend.

"It's a big ask as we're still a new team, still getting to know each other and the Honda machine," said Haslam.

"But that doesn't mean the effort isn't going in. Since Phillip Island the guys have been really busy preparing the improvements for Qatar."

Haslam has been able to put his feet up in Perth this past week since his exploits at Phillip Island, and now he is ready to face his next test.

"It's worked out really well," added Haslam. "Sat relaxing each day has helped me recall the improvements we need to make for next week's second round because although Phillip Island was good, it could have been better.

"But I was certainly ready for some new scenery after being on Phillip Island for two weeks, for the test before the event and then the opening round itself.

"Now I'm refreshed and ready to go and leave for Doha on Sunday."