WSBK: Haslam replaces Sykes, returns to WSBK for 2019

Leon Haslam will leave the British Superbike Championship at the end of 2018 to partner Jonathan Rea in the official Kawasaki Racing Team outfit at World Superbikes. The Pocket Rocket, who has never won a BSB or WSBK title so far, returns to a series of which he left in 2015, although he has made numerous returns for Manuel Puccetti’s Kawasaki outfit.

Haslam’s track record in 2018 alone is sublime, as he is yet to finish outside the top ten in any race and has been on the podium since race two at Brands Hatch Indy.

Haslam has also achieved 39 podiums and five World Superbike wins before he returns to the championship next year, of which the podiums have come across six different manufacturers, including Kawasaki.

“I have to say a big thanks to Kawasaki for this opportunity. Returning to the World Superbike Championship is something I’m really looking forward to. After scoring race wins, lap records, pole positions and a championship runner-up position in my seven years there it’s going to be great to get back to WorldSBK,” said an elated Leon Haslam, who will replace Tom Sykes, who departs Kawasaki after many years in partnership with the Japanese brand.

“The support of Kawasaki throughout my three years in the British Superbike Championship and via KHI at the Suzuka 8-Hour race has been exceptional. The like-minded approach from Kawasaki UK and KHI in Japan has been really appreciated and I’m now hoping to repay them with the 2018 British Superbike title and then to challenge for next year’s WorldSBK Championship.

“The 2019 season will throw up some new challenges as the competitiveness between the manufacturers continues to be at the highest level but I’m confident that with the professional and successful team behind me we can enjoy plenty of success.”