Haslam is guaranteed to finish runner-up to Biaggi this season

Leon Haslam has been released from his deal with Team Alstare Suzuki and will leave them at the end of the World Superbike Championship season.

Haslam was in title contention until Sunday's latest round at Imola, Italy, where Max Biaggi secured the title.

He placed fifth in the first race and retired in the second and is certain to finish runner-up with one race to go.

But despite a fine season, uncertainty about the team's future means the Derbyshire rider has been released.

The Japanese manufacturer's refusal to commit to a future involvement with the team meant boss Francis Batta felt he had little choice but to let Haslam leave.

Haslam's advisors have also confirmed that they have received offers from other manufacturers.

We are disappointed to lose such a talented rider in whom we had put all of our hopes Team Alstare Suzuki statement

A team statement confirmed: "Leon Haslam has been released from the two-year contract with Team Alstare.

"For the past six weeks, Team Alstare has been waiting for an answer from its principal partner regarding the situation for the future of the team.

"Last week, after Francis Batta's visit to Japan, we were assured that an answer would be given before the race in Imola. Team Alstare received no news.

"Such a lack of interest and an unclear situation from our main partner forces Team Alstare to let Leon decide his own future.

"It is therefore in total agreement between the parties that Leon was authorised to deal with another manufacturer in order for him not to lose an opportunity to further his future career.

"We wish Leon all the best for the season 2011. We are disappointed to lose such a talented rider in whom we had put all of our hopes. Obviously our main partner did not share our opinion."

On the track, Haslam needed to beat rival Max Biaggi to close the points gap and ensure the title went down to the final round at Magny-Cours, France next weekend.

But in the day's second race a technical problem forced Haslam out on the 11th lap and confirmed Biaggi's title success.

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