Leon Haslam in talks for WorldSBK wildcards with Pedercini Kawasaki

New Lee Hardy Racing Kawasaki rider in BSB, Leon Haslam could also take part in the 2022 WorldSBK championship as talks regarding wildcard appearances continue. 

Haslam, who had been in talks with Pedercini Kawasaki concerning their full-time ride - that has now officially gone the way of Loris Cresson, will return to BSB for the first time since winning the title in 2018.

However, Haslam has remained in talks with Pedercini Kawasaki as the option to take part in several rounds is currently on the table for the former KRT rider. 

In terms of remaining in WorldSBK full-time, Haslam and the team failed to agree on a contract due to financial reasons, not because of wanting a move away from the world championship. 

Speaking about the possibility of doing wildcards with Pedercini, Haslam told SPEEDWEEK.com: "It's not done yet. But the plan is to do a few appearances in the Superbike World Championship and at other events with Kawasaki."

'Other events' could mean a return to the Suzuka eight hours with the official KRT team. The endurance race has been absent from the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Should Haslam and Pedercini Kawasaki come to an agreement at the second time of asking, then one of the wildcard events will be Haslam’s home round at Donington Park. 

Haslam, who has spent the last three seasons in WorldSBK - one with Kawasaki and two with Team HRC - could be joined by another former WorldSBK rider for the 2022 BSB campaign as 2013 world champion Tom Sykes is the favourite to partner Josh Brookes at Visiontrack Ducati. 

Haslam’s first competitive action of the year will come during April’s BSB season opener at Silverstone (15-17), but before that the Kawasaki rider will take part in three official pre-season tests - Snetterton (March 26-27), Donington Park (March 31st) and Silverstone (April 6-7).