Live chat with Leon.

We have seen the 08 Honda struggle at the beginning of the WSBK season, are the HM plant Honda's further ahead in development, or do you think it will take a few rounds to get up to speed?

Obviously you are going to be a top contender for this years title, which other riders do you think are going to be pushing you to your limit this year for the top spot?

From what we've seen so far, mainly in WSB, the Ducatis have the edge in the corners and the Hondas (and for that matter the Suzukis) only have it in the straights so far. The last two years in BSB has seen a bit of a pattern developing with some tracks, like Snetterton HM Plant Honda tracks and others like Brands Airwaves Ducati ones, mostly reflecting the ratio of straights to turns. Are you expecting pretty much the same sort of pattern to continue? Or is it really simply that somewhere like say Cadwell's a Leon Haslam track whilst maybe Mallory (Brands if Shakey wins Brands) is a Shakey Byrne one?

Last year Kiyo, & I suspect Johnathan Rea too, had a deal with Honda along the lines of 'Do well in BSB & Suzuka and you can go to WSB (or WSS) on a top Honda ride. DO you have any such understanding in place with Honda. And for that matter will you be racing at Suzuka for 'em?

What advice have you been given but ignored at your cost.

and what words of advise would you give young hopefuls of the future.

Do you think there should be a list of Companies who should be banned from advertising on race leathers. If they are seen to continually renaig on sponsorship deals. But continue to use another rider to advertise the following year. I ask this ask a genuine concern.