Aprilia’s Eugene Laverty can breathe a sigh of relief as after three seasons in the World Superbike championship the Irishman claimed his first ever career pole in the series, and it has left the rider feeling a bit ‘strange’.

The final Superpole session was red flagged due to rain, and was declared a twenty minute wet session after the re-start. Laverty was able to clock the quickest lap time and that came as a shock to the Monaco based rider.

“It was a strange feeling because I was looking at the lap times and thought I was getting a first row start, and when I came back to the garage the guys said that I was on pole position but it was a strange feeling. But I have been waiting so long for it, I don’t mind which way I get it,” said Laverty, speaking to bikesportnews.com.

“After the red flag I was sat on the second row and I was thinking that I would like to be at the sharp end because in final free practice we were the quickest and our pace was strong and I am looking for a win tomorrow, and that is clear.

“I had a good feeling ahead of this weekend because the closet I came to pole was on the Yamaha in my first year and I did a perfect lap time and was just beaten by John Hopkins. I only ever want a front row, just because that is what I aim for, just to be safe for the race, and I want a win and to get on the podium on Sunday.”

Laverty is excited with the fact that he has won his first Tissot watch, which he vows never to take off, after refusing to buy a watch till he won one in Superpole.

“I will put my watch on my left wrist and set the time and keep an eye on it, and watch the tan line go either side of it. I have been waiting so long for the Tissot watch I refused to buy myself one, until I got pole and now I don’t have to buy myself one.”