By Richard Petrie

Eugene Laverty is the youngest of the three racing Laverty brothers

Eugene Laverty is hoping to make up for lost time when he competes in this year's World Supersport Championship.

The Toomebridge man has been in the doldrums in recent seasons, scrambling for points in the 250cc world championship series, but learning his trade in the process.

"The two years I spent in the 250 series were not wasted as I learnt a lot about the sport, particularly about the politics, and a lot of things that go on behind the scenes but people do not see.

"My riding has come on so much - my weak points have become my strong points - and that's what any rider is trying to do, really making sure I'm at my best for every race."

The 22-year-old will compete for the Parkalgar Honda team in this year's championship, having paved the way for the ride by finishing third on a Yamaha as a wild-card entry for last year's Supersport race at Vallelunga in Italy.

"To get on the podium at that race was fantastic, considering that I was injured and didn't know the track, so everything seemed to be against us.

"I was really pleased and it was a bit of a surprise to most people but it showed everyone what I am capable of doing and that I can be a regular rostrum finisher.

There's no reason we can't be at the front and winning races Eugene Laverty

"Any racer wants to know that he can be competing at the front and has a chance of winning when he turns up at the weekend but for the last two years I just haven't had that opportunity.

"I'm back with a good team and looking forward to being really competitive again.

"They are a team which is capable of challenging for the world championship and that is their aim, and mine as well.

"Testing in Portugal went well and I finished in sixth position, just behind world champion Andrew Pitt, so I'm very happy with that.

"All I want is to start with a solid finish in Australia and then take it from there."

The former Red Bull Rookie has enjoyed the advantage of working with many of his new team members before.

"They are a good solid team and I worked with many of the guys in 2005 and 2006 when I was part of the 'Rookies' squad.

Laverty competed in the 250cc world championship last year

"I think we can start from where we left off and be even stronger than we were then when we challenged for the British Supersport title.

"There's no reason we can't be at the front and winning races.

"I want to be fighting for the championship at the end of the season and while it would be nice to win the title, my aim is certainly to finish in the top three.

"Having said that, the line-up for the series is really strong, including the two Ten Kate riders who have won the championship over the past two seasons.

"Cal Crutchlow is moving over from British Superbikes too and there are a few other guys coming in so it's going to be exciting, and probably the best year ever in World Supersports."

Eugene is the youngest member of the Laverty racing family but says there is no rivalry with elder brothers Michael and John.

"We grew up racing bikes together and there was never any real competitiveness between us.

"We were always trying to help each other and as long as there is a Laverty name on the trophy, that's the main thing for us at any race meeting."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version