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Leon Haslam joins up with Stiggy Motorsport for World Superbike 2009
Twenty-five year old British rider Leon Haslam completes the recent BSB exodus to the World Superbike Championship by signing with Johan Stigefelt's Stiggy Motorsport team to return to WSB after an absence of five years. Despite his tender years, Haslam is one of the most experienced riders in the paddock having competed in 125cc, 250cc, 500cc Grand Prix and also the British Superbike and Supersport championships.
Leon is currently in second place in the British Superbike Championship, riding for HM Plant Honda, and has taken five victories in the past seven races.
"To get the opportunity to join the Stiggy Team is excellent news for me" said Haslam. "The team that Johan is putting together for his move into Superbike World Championship, and the technical package he is preparing, is all very exciting. I'm sure we will be competitive in 2009. I'm looking forward to working with the team and I'm very pleased to be able to continue both my own and my family's association with Honda."
After four successful seasons in the Supersport World Championship, Johan is now ready to take his team to the next level, and will move into the Superbike World Championship in 2009. Alongside the new Superbike challenge, the team will continue to participate in the Supersport class next year and maintain their strong presence in the series.
"I'm really happy to increase our team by entering the Superbikes World Championship and continuing our close relationship with Honda Motor Europe" declared Stigefelt. "Next year will be a huge challenge for all of us, but I believe we are ready for it. After four years of knowledge and experience in the Supersport class, we are looking forward to this new adventure. We have high expectations and will work our hardest to achieve our goals. To get Leon on board is great news for us. He has the experience that I need to ensure that the development of our Superbike project runs smoothly. You only have to look at his dominance in recent British Superbike rounds to see his natural ability and desire to win."
The Stiggy Team will field two riders in the 2009 World Superbike Championship and will name the second rider, plus the two riders taking part in the Supersport World Championship, in due course.
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