Portimao World Superbikes: Leon Haslam eyes double podium

Leon Haslam has his sights set on a double podium at the all-new Portimao circuit in Portugal this weekend.

The runner-up in the 2008 BSB campaign will get an early shot at the WSB paddock with his current HM Plant Honda BSB team who will wildcard the final event of the WSB calendar.

And following a successful two-day test out in Portugal last week at the newly constructed circuit, Haslam said he wants to end his ’08 campaign by standing on a WSB podium.

He said: “The track layout itself is fantastic with flowing corners and undulations and the facility itself will be superb.

“Grip was an issue during our test as it was a little slippery out there.

“Obviously we were going quicker and quicker during the day and I ended up being second quickest behind Troy Bayliss which was nice.

“We’ve fine-tuned a few things on the HM Plant Honda Fireblade since then, so I think we can have a good go at the regular World Superbike stars there this weekend.

“I want to simply go out there and enjoy myself and get a couple of podiums for HM Plant Honda and myself to end the year with them on a high.”