HASLAM SEARCHING FOR DUTCH DELIGHT

Arai racer Leon Haslam is aiming for success in Sunday’s third round of the World Superbike Championship at the historic Assen circuit in the north of Holland.

Leon Haslam

 BMW’s Haslam has taken three podium finishes from the last three years at Assen and
is hoping to continue that run this weekend.

“Assen is a great track and one of my favourites,” said Haslam. “It’s a fast and flowing
circuit and there’s always a lot of British fans at Assen so it provides a great
atmosphere.”

After the opening two rounds – in Australia and Italy – the S1000RR rider is fourth in the
World Championship and arrives in Holland on the back of two podium finishes after
taking third place in both races at Imola three weeks ago.

“The Imola round was good for results but it was also very good for the consistent performance we found with the machine and Pirelli tyres throughout the weekend,”
continued Haslam. “I’m really pleased with the way the team is working this year and I’d
like to think our hard work will let us challenge for race wins soon and the world title.”
Haslam tested at Mugello in Italy on Tuesday and believes the BMW machine continues
to improve as he looks to give the German manufacturer a first win.

He concluded: “We are getting closer and closer to that first victory and if I get a chance
to win I’ll be taking it. At Imola I was only three seconds away from the victory so it’s all
very positive.”

For more information on Arai Helmets please visit www.whyarai.co.uk

ARAI APPOINTS MOTODIRECT AS NEW UK DISTRIBUTOR

Arai Helmet Europe has appointed MotoDirect as the new distributor for the UK. The transition of the distributorship, including the current stock, is expected to take place in May this year. 

Representatives from Arai and MotoDirect- UK's new Arai distributor

The innovative, individual marketing approach towards the Arai brand and the talent to understand and to anticipate product trends were decisive factors. Furthermore MotoDirect is a very well respected distributor and this together with the matching professional, yet passionate attitude towards the Arai brand, have made MotoDirect the first choice for the Arai distributorship.

As MotoDirect is highly experienced in developing premium brand business and building up the existing dealer network, customer and media relations, Arai firmly believes in expanding the Arai brand awareness and premium image in the UK even further in 2012.

Debbie Bullock (managing director MotoDirect):  "We are extremely proud that Arai Helmet Europe has appointed MotoDirect as their new UK distributor. With MotoDirect’s experience and passion we are sure this new relationship will strengthen both Arai’s and MotoDirect’s reputation for both quality and excellence."

Ingmar Stroeven (managing director Arai Helmet Europe): "The individual, personalized approach of MotoDirect immediately appealed to us. We strongly believe in the ability of MotoDirect to move Arai forward. As a highly respected distributor in the UK, MotoDirect adds additional value to the Arai brand. We are therefore confident that we will develop a long lasting, successful relationship."

For additional information about MotoDirect, please contact: Chris Day - chris.day@moto-direct.com / +44 (0) 1773 864435.

For additional information about Arai Helmet Europe, please contact: Sander van de Water - swater@araieur.nl / +31 33 25 410 10.