Laverty gets first Superbike test

From Yamaha Racing

Having signed to the Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team for the 2011 season 24-year-old Eugene Laverty got his first taste of the YZF-R1 Superbike on Tuesday at the Magny Cours circuit in France.

The first of the team tests in advance of next year was marred by bad weather, heavy rain in the morning preceded a slowly drying track in the afternoon. Laverty initially spent some time out on the track on full wet tires before changing to a slick rear and intermediate front for the final couple of laps of the day as the track dried out. Despite the wet conditions he was at home on the bike immediately, impressing the team with his feedback and pace over the day’s sessions.

“I enjoyed the first experience,” Laverty said, “but I have to admit I was a little unsure beforehand what the power delivery would be like. I was pleasantly surprised. It’s been very smooth so far, although it was a little wet. We got a little dry time at the end so I got an insight into what it’s going to be like tomorrow with the full power when we get cracking in the morning. I feel very welcome with the team and really at home on the bike so I’m really happy.”

Laverty wrapped up his World Supersport season in style last weekend, taking his eighth win of the season, securing second in the championship, and adding to his tally of five pole position starts and a total of 10 podium finishes.

“Today was a good day as we were able to focus on getting Eugene physically comfortable on the bike, making some adjustments to fit his body size to the R1," said Laverty's crew chief Frankie Carchedi. "The weather has definitely not been on our side so far but we made the most of the wet track to get him started with a softer setting. He exceeded our expectations in the short time we were on the track so we are looking forward to hopefully a dry day tomorrow to make further progress.”