It’s fair to say that it’s been an interesting start to the Bennetts British Superbike Championship for James Haydon.
Crash.net caught up with James after the announcement was made on his signing for the Rizla Suzuki squad for the rest of the year.
Crash.net:
James, you’re riding for Rizla Suzuki for the rest of the year, how good is that?
James Haydon:
It’s absolutely fantastic, a bit of a surprise, but absolutely brilliant news.
Crash.net:
It’s fair to say it’s been an interesting year so far for you, how’s it been from your perspective?
James Haydon:
It’s been a strange year, most of it out of my hands, but Paul Denning phoned me and said that Suzuki and Scott were going their separate ways very mutually and would I like to step in and fill the gap? So obviously I said yes I’d love to as they’re a fantastic team, a fantastic bunch of people and I’ve enjoyed working with Suzuki in the past.
It’s just wonderful to get in there and also just to have that steadiness of knowing that, that’s what I’m doing now till the end of the year, so that I can just concentrate on being sharp and trying to build a feel for the bike.
Crash.net:
When did you get the call and how long did it take before you said yes?
JH:
Not half a second! Actually it was only last night [Thursday, before the announcement late on Friday] that was the first time that I spoke to Paul, there were lots of rumours flying around but the deal was done last night.
Crash.net:
How long is the deal for?
JH:
It’s definitely for the rest of the season so as I say it’s a bit of a dream come true.
Crash.net:
Compared with last year the Rizla Suzuki haven’t been what they should, what are thoughts so far of the bike and is there quite a bit of work to do?
