Haslam now third in points and top Honda rider
Haslam, who in conjunction with his rookie Stiggy Racing Honda team, has been one of the main sensations of the year so far had never quite scored a runner-up spot in WSB until race 2 on Sunday at Assen.
Haslam's return to World Superbike in 2009, after a full privateer season in 2004 and other wild card rides in the past, has seen him seize the position of top Honda rider in the series with both hands.
He knew he had done a day's work at Assen and is buoyed by the fact that his team is working so well so early in its first year of WSB competition. "It's been a tough day but an exciting one," grinned Haslam after race two.
"In the first race I thought I could have challenged for the lead but I just missed out, in the second race I got caught behind Fabrizio for one too many laps, but I can't complain with two podium finishes. Our team is new but we have a really good relationship now. They have given me a bike I can ride hard and the confidence to ride it hard so it's producing results. I'm looking forward to the next one."
