Leon Haslam's move to the BMW Motorrad Motorsport Team for the 2011 season offered the 27-year-old the best opportunity for success so far in an already extensive career.
Haslam performed beyond expectation in 2009 with the privateer Stiggy Team, taking sixth place in the final World Superbike Championship points standings, including four podium finishes. Then, in 2010, he recorded three wins, 14 podium finishes and runner-up place aboard the Alstare Suzuki.
Recognised by many factory teams as a potential race winner, there was an inevitability about Haslam's move from privateer to factory rider status for 2010 and he once more exceeded expectation.
From pole position and victory in the opening Australian round Haslam went on to score 14 podium finishes in the 13 rounds and finished second in the World Championship.
After Suzuki reduced its commitment the Alstare Team owner Francis Batta kindly offered to release Leon from his agreement should a more competitive opportunity be available for 2011.
