Haslam Fractures Tibia at Phillip Island Test

The World Superbike roster got even more banged up as the official pre-season test commenced at Phillip Island. BMW Motorrad rider Leon Haslam fractured his right tibia on the first day of testing, leaving his participation for the season opening round, later this week at PI, in doubt.

Haslam high-sided during the first session of testing. X-ray results at the circuit suggested an ankle fracture, later confirmed at the hospital during further examination. In Melbourne Haslam will undergo surgery to stabilize the fracture by inserting a screw into the tibia.

The status of the 2010 SBK runner-up for Sunday’s races is unconfirmed. A team press release states: “The prognosis on what will happen after surgery is not yet known, so a decision as to whether he will compete in this weekend’s races will be made later.”

Said Haslam in the team statement: “The crash was quite a big highsider just before the start-finish-straight. I landed on my heels, and I thought I could have fractured them. The scans later showed I had fractured the end of my right tibia instead. On top of this, I broke a small bone in my left foot, but this should not be a big issue. I now shall keep my fingers crossed that the surgery goes well and I will be back on the bike very soon.”

Haslam is one of three potential title contenders that begin the season on the sidelines. Crescent Fixi Suzuki rider John Hopkins is confirmed out until Imola after fracturing his hand during Phillip Island testing last week. Meanwhile, new Aprilia factory rider Eugene Laverty is sitting out of the current test after also fracturing his hand last week during the closing session of a three-day test at The Island. The Irishman’s participation in the opening round is yet to be announced. SBK rookie David Salom was also injured in the previous week’s testing, breaking his scaphoid, though the Pedercini Kawasaki rider participated in the current tests.