Michael Laverty believes he can be a championship contender

Michael Laverty is confident that he will be challenging for race wins in this year's British Superbike series which begins at Brands Hatch on Monday.

Laverty returns to the championship after a frustrating year out.

"It was a difficult year in 2009 as I was with different teams in different championships and had no continuity.

"Testing has gone really well and I know I can be right on the pace from the start and be in contention for race wins every weekend," said Laverty.

"I have a good team behind me and I'm happy with the bike that they have built - it's set up really well.

"I have posted some really fast times in testing and I think we will be stronger than a lot of people think, which is a good position to be in.

"We tested at Cartagena in Spain and at Cadwell Park, which are very different tracks, but the set-up was good at both.

"I've known the boys in the team for a long time and it's been an easy transition to make - I feel really at home and it's as if I've never been away."

Laverty will be joined in this year's championship by team-mate Alastair Seeley, who won the 2009 British Superstock series.

"The bike has been really good in testing but qualifying will give us a better idea of where we are at," said the more cautious Carrickfergus rider.

"I'd like to start off the season in the top 10 and then try to gradually improve.

"I've been doing a lot of motocross riding and been through a new training programme which involves a lot of cardiovascular work so I'm feeling fit and ready," he added.

The third Northern Ireland rider in the blue riband class will be John Laverty, who will again compete for the Buildbase Kawasaki outfit.

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