JG Speedfit Kawasaki’s Leon Haslam was so close to doing the Dutch double at Assen, but just missed out on the race two victory on the final lap to Bennetts Suzuki’s Sylvain Guintoli and title rival, Anvil Hire TAG Yamaha’s Josh Brookes who finished in second.
Haslam crossed the line in third and did secure a 100% podium success rate, at a track where he did the double a mere 12 months ago, and has now extended his lead in the series to 32 points.
The Smalley rider felt he could have gone even better in the final race but his engine cut out and he then lost pace to Brookes on the last lap. He also had some front end issues on his ZX-10RR which made him lose some speed.
But Haslam did bag maximum points in the opening event at the circuit and in both races finished ahead of title fighter, Be Wiser Ducati’s Shane Byrne.
“I have got to be happy, but I am a little disappointed. I had some front end problems and kept tucking the front which was my fault as I was pushing too hard,” said Haslam at the track.
“On the last lap I was eyeing up Sylvain to try and get that win and my bike cut out on the back straight which allowed Josh to pass and it was a scary moment which demoted me to third. We are ahead of Shane and we extended the lead so a big thanks to JG Speedfit Kawasaki.”
Speaking after race one Haslam added: “I had on my board where Shane was and I was happy sitting behind James and Sylvain for the majority of the race and thought James had the soft tyre on as he had the pace then it all levelled out mid race and we were all doing the same level and with six to go. I decided to stay smooth and hit my points and it worked out. It couldn’t have gone any better and I feel happy with the bike and feeling pretty good.”
