Fond memories for Haslam at Assen, ‘double podium’ in 2009 a standout

Honda remains the only manufacturer not to claim a WorldSBK podium so far in 2021 - something which could change this weekend based on Leon Haslam and Alvaro Bautista’s previous results at Assen. 

It’s been a particularly good venue for Haslam who has enjoyed several top fives - including three podiums in WorldSBK, but also BSB, such as his double win in both 2016 and 2018. 

To date, Haslam had his best round of the 2021 season last time out at Donington Park, which he’s ‘confident’ of building upon. 

Haslam added: "I’m looking forward to going to Assen, a circuit where I’ve had some great results and podiums on almost every bike I’ve ridden there in the past. 

"An historic track, it’s a bit like Phillip Island in some ways, and it’s always been one of my favourites. I have some great memories of the place too, like the double podium back in 2009 with the Stiggy Honda team. 

"So I think the Honda will go well there and I’m looking forward to getting back to work, confident we can build on our recent results at Donington."

For Bautista, the former MotoGP rider remains the last rider to win a WorldSBK race at Assen thanks to the double in 2019 with Aruba.it Ducati. 

Donington Park was a huge disappointment for the Spaniard given his lack of pace compared to Haslam, however, a lot of ‘data’ was collected as he aims to start an intense part of the season with a ‘stronger base’.

"It’s going to be intense because we now have quite a few races coming very close together. So we need to be as prepared as possible," added Bautista.  

"I really like the Assen track anyway and can’t wait to get back on my bike after the break. 

"We collected a lot of data last time out at Donington and hopefully this means we can start with a stronger base this weekend and work hard to take some more steps forward."