MotoGP star Eugene Laverty thinks that if tomorrow’s King of Brands race is wet it could be an epic spectacle as damp conditions make the challenge more achieveable.

The Aspar Honda man believes the right combination of rider and conditions could see a first-lap charge into the top 15 but it will take a brave man to risk it for the big prize.

“I’m excited to watch the BSB ‘King of Brands’ challenge on Sunday. It’ll take a brave rider to take on the challenge of coming through from last-to-first but I’m certain that someone will give it a go. If it rains it’d be epic because then, in my opinion, it’d become much more achievable,” said Laverty.

“The rider that takes on the challenge will lose most of their time during the first couple of laps trying to fight through the pack. When conditions are wet it’s much easier to pass two or three guys per corner and slice your way through towards the front.

“I remember watching Neil Hodgson coming through from last-to-first in 2000 and it was pretty darn impressive. The only time I’ve come anywhere close to that was back in 2009 when I crashed out of the World Supersport race on lap three at Donington and I had to fight back from 26th to fifth position. But overtaking absolutely everyone, now that’s a different kettle of fish altogether.

“If someone could combine Stuart Easton’s rocket starts with my brother Michael’s aggression and spacial awareness during the early laps then they’d find themselves in the top 15 by the end of lap one. That’s the only way I see someone landing the big prize in a straight race. Either rain or a pace car during the second half of the race could play into the riders’ hands though so we’ll just have to wait and see.”