Tyco BMW’s Michael Laverty is leading the Riders Cup challenge going into the final MCE British Superbike round at Brands Hatch, after coming away from the TT circuit at Assen with two sixth place finishes.

The Northern Irishman felt ‘positive’ all weekend and his team made some changes for the better on his S1000RR. Laverty is starting to feel more confident onboard his BMW and from the opening free practice session in the Netherlands felt happy on the bike.

Now he has the Riders Cup accolade as his next target, after missing out on a place in the Showdown, but the Wales-based rider was pleased with his pace over the weekend.

“Two sixth places isn’t exactly what we want, but it’s been a positive weekend all round. Right from FP1 I felt happier on the bike,” said Laverty.

“The team made some changes between Donington Park and now and it’s been a good weekend. I’ve slowly been getting the confidence and feeling back that I had earlier in the season on the Tyco BMW.

“Race day I could have done more and that’s a little frustrating. In race two the conditions weren’t ideal at the start and I was maybe a bit cautious, but had a coming together with Christian and ran off track and I had to work hard to get back. I was actually faster in some areas but couldn’t find a way through.”