Haslam looks back on his runner-up season
Haslam was the only real rival to Max Biaggi in the run-in to the 2010 title but even he had to admit that the odds were increasingly stacked against him as the season progressed. "Suzuki made a decision before the season started that their efforts and development weren't going to be in World Superbikes or with the Alstare team."
For Haslam the problems started mid-season, when a step forward in development would have given him a chance of trying to compete against his Italian rival and things got tough from that point onwards.
"Max wasn't ever too far ahead, but when he was on-form and doing well, he was getting double wins; we grounded out some wins and lots of podiums, but it was always a battle."
"I look back, and the Miller weekend lost me 30 points, which was my fault; for sure, we had other issues throughout the year, but in general I think the team definitely got the most out of the package that we had. We still had some really good races, and to finish second in the world for my first time in a semi-factory team, I've got to be happy with that. Losing the championship was obviously disappointing, but I've had a fantastic season and really enjoyed it. Max was just super-consistent and fast and he finished every race in the points and that's what wins titles."
