Leon Haslam gave the ailing Stiggy Racing team something to smile about at Magny-Cours with a spirited ride to fifth position in both races.

Continuing a recent run of good form that has seen him finish well inside the top ten in ten of the last eleven races, Haslam put his second row grid slot to good effect to get amongst the leaders in the opening stages of each encounter.

However, while 'a few minor things' would see him slip back into a lonely fifth position on both occasions, the Briton was happy with the results that all but confirm he will finish sixth overall in this year's standings.

“We had a little problem in race one that held us back from the leaders. In race two, in the early part of the race, we had a lot better set-up. But after about lap six or seven the bike was surging a bit so I reset the electronics. A few minor things held us back from challenging for a podium or two but I am pretty happy to get a couple of fifths.”

A boost for a team that has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons over the weekend, team manager Johan Stigefelt praised Haslam for his strong performance.

"Leon had two great races today. Two strong fifth place finishes and best Honda rider in race one, I can't be more than satisfied. His good results today have strengthened his sixth place in the championship, closing in on fifth. I hope we can continue this success all the way to the end of the season in the next races at Portimao.”