Tyco BMW’s Michael Laverty cruised to his first front row start of the year after setting the third fastest time - a 1’25.716 during the MCE British Superbike qualifying outing at Brands Hatch.
The last time the Wales-based rider started a BSB race from the front row was backed in 2012, before he left to take part in MotoGP. Everything is coming together for the Northern Irishman and he is starting to feel really confident and comfortable out on his S1000RR machine.
Laverty wants to convert his good start into solid points and rostrum finishes and is feeling good ahead of the double-header at the GP circuit tomorrow, where he hopes he can out-pace title rivals, Milwaukee Yamaha’s Josh Brookes and series leader, PBM Kawasaki’s Shane Byrne.
But the BMW rider was quite surprised with his fast pace, and was a bit shocked that he ended up on the front row, as he struggled a bit on the first few laps with a new tyre.
“It is nice to be up here. We have been fighting hard and we have improved since the last time we were here. The BMW works for me, and we are getting closer to the top guys and it’s nice to be on the front row,” said Laverty.
“I am a bit surprised, and I thought I would struggle when the guys upped their pace today and they have been on top of their game all year.
“We are good on used tyres - but the one off lap on a new tyre I struggled a bit as the bike gets a bit aggressive on the grip so I quite happy with my pace, but didn’t think I would do so well.
“I didn’t think I would get on the front row, and hopefully I can get up in the mix tomorrow - and its the first front row start of the season.”
