LEON HASLAM is to leave Team Alstare Suzuki at the end of the season after failing to receive assurances over Suzuki's factory involvement for 2011, the team has confirmed in a press release.
The decision has come about after the team could not guarantee Suzuki's level of 'factory' commitment to the squad in 2010, following Alstare team manager Francis Batta's discussion with Suzuki top brass in Japan.
From Alstare:
“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.
Haslam will be released from the squad after the last race in Magny-Cours (October 3rd) in order for him to test with his new team, believed to be BMW.
