Leon Haslam has his sights on finishing on the podium at his home round of the World Superbike Championship at Silverstone on Sunday.
Home favourite wants podium place at Silverstone
Leon Haslam has set his sights on finishing on the podium at his home round of the World Superbike Championship at Silverstone on Sunday.
The BMW Motorrad Motorsport rider has struggled this year, failing to win a race so far after his switch from Suzuki saw him regarded as one of the pre-season favourites for the title.
Haslam currently sits fifth in the points standings during a campaign dominated by Carlos Checa and defending champion Max Biaggi.
Checa holds a 30-point lead over Biaggi ahead of the two races at the Northamptonshire circuit this weekend, with Marco Melandri and Eugene Laverty third and fourth in the points table.
With the four riders above him having won a race this season, there could be no better time for Haslam to break his duck than on Sunday. However, because of his struggles, he has set himself a more realistic goal.
Flowing
He said: "I'm really looking forward to Silverstone. The new circuit is really fast and flowing and it's a great place to race, with plenty of opportunities for passing.
"It's always special to race in front of your home crowd and it would be great to christen the new podium with a top-three finish."
Haslam will be joined at Silverstone by two-time world champion James Toseland, who returns to action after several months out with a wrist injury he suffered in March and which required surgery.
The BMW Italia rider said: "Obviously this year has been really difficult for me due to injury, but my plan has always been to return in time for Silverstone.
"Racing in front of your home fans on a track like Silverstone is an amazing feeling, so for sure I am looking forward to getting out there."
Series leader Checa is looking forward to Silverstone although he knows his Ducati will lose out to Biaggi's Aprilia when it comes to straight-lline speed.
He said: "I really like the Silverstone track, despite the straights where we'll suffer a little.
"I have many British friends and if, as forecast, the weather stays good, it will no doubt be a great weekend. We will work as always to find the best possible set-up and I can say that I am revved up and feeling confident."
