After flying out to Japan three times for official tests, in between his British Superbike duties for JG Speedfit Kawasaki, Haslam was up for the challenge of becoming the only British rider to win three Suzuka 8 Hour races. It wasn't quite to be for Haslam, however a fantastic ride from himself and his two team mates, Yanagawa and Watanabe saw them finish on the podium in a fantastic second position, less than 2 minutes behind the winners. This was the first time a Kawasaki team has made the podium at Suzuka since 2009.

Haslam was over the moon with the result, saying; “It has been tough travelling back and forth to Japan with my BSB commitments too, so to get a podium result has certainly made it all worthwhile! I was desperate to get the win, but for sure second place is still an awesome result. I would love to come back and try and win again in 2017!”

Leon now resumes his “day job” for JG Speedfit Kawasaki and will be in action this weekend at round 7 of the British Superbike Championship, which takes place at Brands Hatch in Kent.