Leon Haslam says a wet race is more likely to benefit his ailing World Superbike title hopes, despite admitting to enduring a 'tough day' during Superpole at Imola.
Haslam needs a series of results to go his way this weekend if he is to have any chance of keeping his title dreams alive to the Magny-Cours finale, but he gave himself the best possible chance with run to the front row in Superpole.
Surviving the slippery conditions, although Haslam didn't enjoy the Superpole session, he was otherwise pleased to make it ahead of title rival Max Biaggi, who starts seventh.
“That was a tough Superpole, but then it's been a pretty tough day,” the Suzuki rider said. “Conditions were very difficult in Superpole and it would've been the easiest thing in the world to crash - and many did!
“This was my first proper time on this bike in the wet, so I had a lot to learn pretty quickly. When the track was wet, it was mega, mega slippery and it was hard just to keep upright. I was struggling with lack of grip on the entry to the corners, but I think all of us were.
“I really went for it in Superpole 3 and my quickest lap was definitely a bit on the hairy side. But, I got the front row place and that's all that mattered.
With the rain creating an unusual grid for the two races, Haslam is quietly hoping it will return to wreak havoc on race day.
“I'm happy with the front row and now we'll all have to wait and see what the weather will do tomorrow. For the sake of the championship, I suppose it probably would be better if it were wet tomorrow, but for the fans and good racing it'd be better to be dry.
“I think I've got a pretty good bike set-up, wet or dry, and will be giving it 110 per cent tomorrow, whatever the conditions.”
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