Kawasaki UK bosses are intent on keeping Leon Haslam in their MCE British Superbike arsenal for 2017 following the shock departure of his JG Speedfit squad yesterday.

Despite winning all manner of title and races this year, team boss Mark Smith-Halvorsen announced his exit from racing on Facebook, leaving riders Haslam, James Ellison and Peter Hickman looking for work.

“It’s our intention to keep Leon on a Kawasaki. Where that is I can’t confirm at the moment,” said KMUK’s Ross Burridge, in a short message to BSN.

Haslam will have options all over the BSB paddock for next year, including being placed in the Quattro Kawasaki team but also with Tyco BMW or possibly a return to Honda.

Kawasaki also have the option of supporting a new team with factory support built around the Derby rider, who will contest the final Japanese Superbike round next month at Suzuka.