Leon Haslam says he has reason to be pleased with his performance during the final round of World Superbike Championship testing at
Jerez ahead of the prolonged winter break.
Taking time to get better acquainted with the PATA Honda CBR1000RR he will ride in 2013, Haslam spent the two days making chassis improvements, rather than striving for fast times.
Even so, though Haslam says a 'small vibration' prevented him from pushing for one fast lap at the end of the test, his effort of 1min 42.039secs was still marginally quicker than that of new team-mate Jonathan Rea, who was testing 2013 parts.
“We had a good day today and we made some really good steps forward which have given me a much better balance with the bike now.
“I didn't get a chance to really push for a time at the end because I felt a small vibration in the bike, but it felt pretty good and the race simulation that Johnny and I did together at the end was good fun.
“We've been working just on chassis improvements because I've been using the old engine and electronics. It'll be good to get the new stuff because we need a little more work on power delivery, but I'm really happy with progress so far.
“I'm looking forward to the Christmas break, which I'll spend in the UK with a six-days-a-week training programme before maybe a bit of sun somewhere in the New Year.”