Former MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli has this evening been confirmed as Eugene Laverty's team-mate in the works Aprilia World Superbike team.

The Warwickshire-based Frenchman has been testing with the squad at Jerez and set the fastest official time yesterday. He will replace the retiring Max Biaggi.

“I am very happy, especially because the feeling with the RSV4 has been good right from the first few metres. To be able to sit in the saddle of the world champion bike is a great opportunity for me - one of the most important in my career. I think the bike has extremely high potential, as we've seen in the past few years, and I'm confident that I'll be able to put in some excellent results with it," said Guintoli.