“We definitely made big steps and are much further ahead compared to last year. It really is a stronger package and we still have five more days to test” – Leon Haslam.
Leon Haslam has provided hope that the S1000RR could take its long awaited first
WSBK win this season, the Englishman concluding his first test of 2012 by stating that 'big steps' have been made and that their preparations are 'much further ahead compared to last year'.
Haslam dropped from being a race-winning title runner-up with Suzuki to fifth with three podiums for BMW in 2011, but believes the team has much higher potential heading into the final pre-season tests at Phillip Island.
After using the latest engine and electronics for the first time during a two-day outing at Valencia, Haslam said:
"We got through everything that we needed to go through, so I am very positive. These two days were important. We have a lot of new things for this year and it was good to test before we go to Phillip Island.
"In addition, it was good to get a few laps under our belts and get up to speed again. We definitely made big steps and are much further ahead compared to last year.
"It really is a stronger package and we still have five more days to test in Australia to dial it all in."
New team-mate Marco Melandri was also at the Valencia test (see separate story). BMW's next test will be at Phillip Island from February 13-15, followed by the official Infront test on the 20th-21st.
The first round of 2012 will then be held in Australia on the weekend of February 24-26. Haslam took 3-5 race finishes in last year's opening round.
