Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) is looking forward to getting back into the thick of the action at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit, otherwise known as Imola. Having had a four week break from action, the 2010 WorldSBK runner-up heads to a circuit at which he will look to get back on the podium.

Having had a ‘disappointing’ Motul Dutch Round at the TT Circuit Assen, the “Pocket Rocket” is hoping to return to the front at a circuit which he competed at in WorldSBK in 2018, achieving a best finish of ninth in the opening race.

Speaking ahead of the Pirelli Italian Round, Haslam said: “Imola is going to be a good race because after Assen, it was a disappointment. I felt we had good pace for the podium there but with the front tyre issues we had, we dropped back. To finish where we finished off the podium was not a nice way to go into a long break.”

Haslam has plenty of experience at the Imola circuit, having taken two podiums for BMW in 2012 and competed in a total of 18 races at the legendary Italian venue for a total of six manufacturers.

“We are heading into Imola now and I actually raced there on a Puccetti bike last year with the ELF colours that my dad, Ron, used to run. The pace was OK for a top five although we had some issues in the races. I am quite confident that the bike will work well at Imola and I can probably adapt a little bit faster, having ridden the circuit last year.

“It is a circuit of mixed memories for me. I lost the championship chance in 2010 to Max Biaggi there but I also had some quite good battles with Carlos Checa. I have some up and down memories but I will have to wait and see where the other competition is at. But from my side I am really looking forward to it.”

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