WorldSBK interview with Eugene Laverty

Friday 15 February: At the time of his arrival, back in 2011, Eugene Laverty turned a lot of heads by showing immediate speed and competitiveness in Superbike World Championship.

Coming from the Supersport class, in which he was runner-up for two consecutive seasons, Laverty had an excellent rookie year that led to a 4th final place. As Yamaha pulled out from WSBK, though, he joined the Aprilia Racing Team for what it would have been a not so easy 2012 season, especially in its first half.

Following Max Biaggi's retirement from racing, the 26 year old from Toomebridge, Northern Ireland, will carry the Aprilia factory team flag into 2013, flanked by his new team mate Sylvain Guintoli.

WorldSBK.com spoke with Eugene Laverty about this crucial year of his career.

Did you get the feedback you were expecting at Jerez?

"Actually it was very beneficially to ride again at Jerez. The weather disturbed our test plan but on day two we confirmed our findings from the test back in November. We were able to continue from where we had left off and improved the agility of the bike. Even though I was fastest at the previous test I struggled to find the apex consistently and this time we made a big step to allow me to be more precise on corner entry."

Has the work done by Aprilia during the winter made the RSV4 1000 Factory more tailored to your way of riding?

"There has been little change to the RSV4 over the winter break but this is a good thing. I know that we finished the season with a good bike and during the winter tests we have cured the poor front end feeling that I suffered last year. Now I have the confidence to fight amongst the other riders in battle whereas before this was difficult. In Noale the engineers have of course continued to develop the engine and I'm sure that we'll see our bike atop the speed traps in Phillip Island."

What's left to be tested at Phillip Island?

"We've been testing a new swinging arm for some time and we still haven't been able to confirm whether we will race the new one or continue with the original. My preference changes depending on the track and grip level which makes it difficult to choose one over the other. Either way there must be a compromise."

Are you confident for the Season Opener and for 2013 eni FIM Superbike World Championship in general?

"I feel confident that I can fight for the title over the course of the season, but in the back of my mind I just want to make it through the first two rounds injury-free. Since arriving in the Superbike category I've suffered a disastrous start to the season, with big crashes due to issues out of my control. I just hope that I can kick off my season with some podium finishes."

Who are going to be the riders to beat for the upcoming season?

"I believe that my main rivals will be Marco Melandri and Tom Sykes. However, there were almost ten different race winners last season so I would be a fool to overlook the other riders. Last season Max Biaggi won the title with a very low points haul due to many riders challenging for race wins. It seems that consistency is now more important than ever if you want to become World Superbike Champion."

UltimateMotorcycling.com reports:

Fourteen out of 19 riders on the official 2013 World Superbike roster were present Thursday during the first of two days in unofficial private testing at a resurfaced Phillip Island, Australia.

The testing allows the World SBK teams to prep their perspective machines ahead of the first official test session at the same circuit Monday and Tuesday.

The riders were quick, but there were plenty of accidents on the newly-paved Australian track. A few riders that crashed were FIXI Crescent Suzuki’s Leon Camier and Jules Cluzel, and the man who finished a half a point behind Biaggi in the 2012 World Superbike Championship – Kawasaki Racing’s Tom Sykes. Initial reports say Sykes injured his wrist, and he’s questionable for testing Friday.

Leading the grid on Thursday was Aprilia Racing Team’s Eugene Laverty. The Northern Irishman piloted his RSV4 to an unofficial 1:31.7, which is equal to the circuit record set by the now retired Max Biaggi, who posted a 1:31.785 last season en route to his second World SBK title.

Next up was Camier, the Brit posting a 1:31.9. Although he crashed, his crew was able to repair his GSX-R1000, and get him back on the circuit. Suzuki Racing reports that Camier’s quick laps occurred near the end of the test.

Following Camier were the Pata Honda riders, Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam. Both piloted their CBR1000RR superbikes to a 1:32.

The top BMW rider followed – GoldBet’s Marco Melandri, who posted a 1:32.2. As for Ducati, Althea Racing’s Davide Giugliano was quickest, finishing eight with a 1:32.7. The top Kawasaki time went to Kawasaki Racing’s Loris Baz; he was 12th quickest with a 1:33.2.

The riders will return to Phillip Island Friday for the second and final day of unofficial testing ahead of next week’s first official test and the opening round of the 2013 World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island.

2013 Phillip Island World Superbike Unofficial Test Results, Thursday:

1. Eugene Laverty (Aprilia Racing RSV4) 1:31.7

2. Leon Camier (Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000) 1:31.9

3. Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda CBR1000RR) 1:32.0

4. Leon Haslam (Pata Honda CBR1000RR) 1:32.0

5. Marco Melandri (GoldBet BMW S1000RR) 1:32.2

6. Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing RSV4) 1:32.3

7. Jules Cluzel (Fixi Crescent Suzuki GSX-R1000) 1:32.5

8. Davide Giugliano (Althea Aprilia RSV4) 1:32.7

9. Ayrton Badovini (Alstare Ducati 1199R) 1:32.8

10. Max Neukirchner (Ducati 1199R) 1:32.9

11. Chaz Davies (GoldBet BMW S1000RR) 1:33.0

12. Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R) 1:33.2

13. Michel Fabrizio (Red Devils Aprilia RSV4) 1:33.7

14. Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing ZX-10R) 1:34.5