Haslam mainly on the plain in Spain

Leon Haslam took his second win of the year in sunny Spain yesterday and then followed this up with a fourth place in race 2 that helped him to come away from Valencia with his pre-race prediction to maintain his points lead after this round of the championship still intact.

Had it not been for braking problems in race two, the Suzuki Alstare man would have been on course for another podium and an even bigger championship lead, but it was not to be.

"I made a reasonable start and was fourth at the end of the lap one and then just worked my way up to first by lap five," said Leon. "Once I was in the lead, I realised that the pace was not great and it all felt pretty easy for me. I expected that I would come under attack, but my pitboard signals showed that my lead was increasing! I kept a good pace and felt comfortable enough to ease the pace at the end.

"We made some small changes to the bike for race two - because of the hotter conditions - and managed to pass about five riders quite quickly despite not making a very good start. Then the race was stopped and we had to start again. We put a bit more preload on the front, but I began having brake problems before too long. The lever kept coming all the way back to the bar and that meant I couldn't be close to other riders and then pull out and pass them. I didn't feel confident braking and after three or four laps I was praying that the race would come to an end or that somebody in front would stop and I would get another podium. I am happy to be leading the series, delighted that I have increased the lead and really looking forward to Assen - a circuit where I think our bike will go really well."