Eugene Laverty will finally get to use the new swingarm he has been waiting for at this weekend’s Assen MotoGP round after Honda stepped in and gave his Aspar team the upgrade to get him level with fellow Open class RC213V-RS riders Nicky Hayden and Jack Miller.

Laverty did get the new part in time for the post-Catalan test but heavy showers meant he didn’t get the required track time to see if it brings the extra grip he needs so the Dutch circuit,. which he knows well, will be his testbed.

“Following three unfamiliar circuits I'm excited to return to a track that I know well. I've won races at Assen in both the World Supersport and Superbike championships so I'll be gunning for a top finish there in MotoGP,” said the Monegasque.

“We found our way again at the previous round in Barcelona and I'm feeling full of confidence again. The team continue to support me 100% plus Honda have stepped in to help us move forward which I'm extremely grateful for. Everything's really starting to come together now.”