LEON HASLAM: THE ELDER STATESMAN

Now aged in his 40s, Haslam is one of the most experienced riders on this year's BSB grid. We sit down for a natter about the year ahead and his desire to win...

- SIR ALAN OF DOWDS

Many things make me feel old these days. My creaking knees. Reading about the 30th anniversary of the Ducati 916 being launched. Remembering that the year 2000 wasn't 'about 15 years ago.' And now I can add 'interviewing Leon Haslam, veteran racer' to that list. Because 'Rocket' Ron Haslam's son – who in my head is probably just out of his teens – is actually now aged in his early 40s and one of the most experienced British bike racers out there. Haslam is returning to a Ducati for the first time since 2007, riding a Panigale V4R for the Moto Rapido team in BSB. And we spoke to him at the gala opening of Ducati UK's latest dealership, Lind Ducati North London, in Watford.

Looking relaxed and happy in his Ducati hoodie and ROKiT baseball cap, he was fielding requests for selfies and autographs from fans. He's had a tough time in recent years, with injuries. “I think in the last three years, I've had three dislocated shoulders and a broken back,” he told us. “No one really knew the extent of it, but I've not been able to train. I've not been where I wanted to be – at the last race of the year, I couldn't do 10 push ups. But since then I’ve lived in the gym and I'm so excited at just feeling better.”

What sort of on-bike training does Haslam prefer? “Pit biking is a big one for me. It’s good fun, and I do a lot of trials riding with the lads. I do a lot of stuff with the kids who we train now. We've just done three days in Portugal, and I got my old man out there as well, so yeah, he does a bit of riding. He actually smoked all my riders. He was 69 this year, so he's still going well - he loves it still.”