PBM’s Michael Laverty ended his MotoGP career at Valencia ‘with a smile’ on his face and says the experience has made him a much stronger rider.

The Irishman wrapped up his second year with the Penrith-based team finishing in 19th place and tied with team-mate Broc Parkes on nine points in the final championship positions.

"The weather made it quite a strange race today as right from the very first lap we had big drops of rain on our visors. I had good pace when the track was fully dry, but found it tough when the track got greasy as my rear tyre had began to cold tear,” said Laverty.

“All in all it's been a good weekend, I was really happy with the lap time I pulled out in qualifying and we had a good setting going into the race today. It's a bit emotional today as it's the final MotoGP for the PBM team, but I'm finishing with a smile on my face, it's been a great life experience and I feel I'm a stronger rider for it.

“I’d like to thank all the guys in the team for a great two years and a special thank you to Paul Bird and Phil Borley for making it happen."

It is unsure where Laverty will land in 2015 but he has strong ties with three MCE British Superbike teams in the shape of Milwaukee Yamaha, Tyco BMW and, of course, his current employer Paul Bird. He has also reportedly landed a role with Aprilia as their Michelin tyre test rider.