Haslam released from Suzuki contract
Team Alstare has confirmed that Leon Haslam will not continue with the outfit into next year after failing to receive assurances over Suzuki's factory involvement for 2011.
Haslam joined the manufacturer after a successful return season with Stiggy Honda in 2009, but while the Briton emerged as an immediate title contender, Suzuki's apparent reluctance not to push development would see them lose ground to eventual champions Max Biaggi and Aprilia.
With both rider and team expressing their frustration at the comparative lack of resources being handed down by the factory, Alstare team manager Francis Batta duly travelled to Japan to discuss their future involvement.
With Batta telling press at Imola that a decision was due soon, Suzuki's subsequent failure to communicate has enabled Haslam to exercise a clause, in what was a two-year contract, to leave should the factory's involvement be brought into question.
A disappointing outcome for Suzuki, who have enjoyed their most successful World Superbike season since winning the title in 2005 with Troy Corser, a revealing statement from the team itself thanked Haslam for his efforts and blasted Suzuki for its apparent lack of commitment.
"Team Alstare hereby informs the international press and media that Leon Haslam has been released from the two-year contract with Team Alstare.
"For the past six weeks Team Alstare has been waiting for an answer from its principal partner regarding the situation for the future of the Team.
"Last week, after Francis Batta's visit to Japan, we were assured that an answer would be given to the Team before the race in Imola (September 23rd). Team Alstare received no news.
"Such a lack of interest and an unclear situation from our main partner forces Team Alstare to let Leon decide his own future.
"Francis and Patricia Batta have been in contact with Leon Haslam's advisors for the past few weeks and were informed that Leon had received some proposals from manufacturers.
"It is therefore in total agreement between the parties that Leon was authorised to deal with another manufacturer in order for him not to lose an opportunity to further his future career.
"Team Alstare, Francis, Patricia and all the staff want to thank Leon and his family for the fabulous season he achieved.
"We all wish Leon all the best for the season 2011. We are disappointed to lose such a talented rider in whom we had put all of our hopes. Obviously our main partner did not share our opinion.
"Leon Haslam will be released from his obligations with Team Alstare on Sunday night after the last race in Magny-Cours (October 3rd) in order for him to test with his new team."
Haslam, who won three races with Suzuki Alstare this season, is now tipped to join Troy Corser in the BMW team next season.
