Laverty replaces Foret in WSS

From Yamaha Racing

Eugene Laverty, the 22-year-old Northern Irish 250 GP rider has been picked by the Yamaha World Supersport Team to replace injured Fabien Foret for the next two rounds of the World Supersport Championship at Donington (Sept. 7) and Vallelunga (Sept. 21).

Laverty is no stranger to the Supersport class, having raced successfully in British Supersport previously. He gave a strong performance in the 2006 championship, battling throughout the year to take third in the overall standings. The talented rider was fighting for the title however a hand injury left him sidelined with four race wins at the end of the season.

Prior to this he successfully competed in the 2004 British 125cc Championship, finishing second in the season. Laverty moved on to take a ride in the 250 GP series for 2007 and 2008 however a lack of competitive machinery has hampered any significant racing success.

Foret continues to recover well from his injuries sustained after crashing in the Brno round of the World Supersport Championship and is hoped to return to the Yamaha World Supersport Team before the end of the season.

"We were impressed with Karl Harris’ performance on the bike at Brands, it confirms for us that our bike is competitive even when we have someone not familiar with it," said team manager Wilco Zeelenberg. "Karl rode well, however whilst Fabien is recovering this is a good opportunity for us to trial different riders.

"Donington is also more of a top power track compared to Brands which means Karl’s physical size and weight may have been more of an issue whilst Eugene is a very lightweight rider so should have an edge."

"I’m really excited at the chance to ride a competitive Supersport machine," Laverty said. "Two years of riding underpowered bikes has led to two difficult seasons for me. For Yamaha to pick me up and offer this opportunity is fantastic, I’m over the moon. I can’t wait to get to Donington and start working with the team to set up and get out on track."