Aprilia's Eugene Laverty believes he now belongs at the front of the World Superbike pack going into this weekend's Donington Park round after standing on the podium twice in successive rounds.

After suffering from early-season front-end problems which hampered corner-entry speed, the Irishman is now a force to be reckoned with and has climbed to eighth in the championship despite only getting half of the allocated 16 points for his third in Monza.

“We've been getting stronger and stronger at every round so far this season. I feel that we now belong at the front fighting for the podium after our success at both Assen and Monza. However, the Donington circuit has not been kind to me in the past," said Laverty.

"My only success there has been two podium finishes in the British Championship and both were held in extremely wet conditions. Perhaps I'll find the same weather again this time! My main aim for Donington is to close the gap to the lead of the championship as we approach mid-season.

"Donington is the round of the World Superbike Championship that is closest to my home so it would be great to put the Aprilia in the winner's circle with so many of my friends and family trackside."