Superbikes star Leon Haslam remains as driven as ever

Leon Haslam insists that becoming a father will not affect his quest to become World Superbike champion.

The Derbyshire rider is now the proud dad to daughter Ava May, who was born in December.

But would the 28-year-old's new responsibilities dim his drive, determination or love of danger?

"Not at all. Most races you don't even think about the dangers and if you do then you shouldn't be racing," Haslam told BBC East Midlands Today.

The BMW rider, whose dad is British motorcycle legend "Rocket" Ron Haslam, finished fifth in last season's World Superbike Championship.

But Haslam junior said on his website that the team expect better when the new season gets underway in Australia on 26 February.

"This has been the third year of the project for BMW and the first year they've finished in the top 10 of the World Championship," Haslam continued.

"The progress is evident but we want to be higher than fifth place now."