Aprilia's Eugene Laverty has declared himself fully fit for this weekend's World Superbike double-header at Assen and reckons it is now time to step up to being a serious podium challenger from here on in.
The Toomebridge man, who has been hampered by the hand he broke in pre-season testing at Phillip Island, has taken time to understand the nuances of the factory RSV4 he shares with Max Biaggi but Assen, a track Laverty knows well, things should be a little different.
“I'm back to 100% fitness and ready to fight at the front again. The beginning of the season has been tough but it's now time to step up and finish consistently on the podium. We made a big step with our chassis setting at the Imola test following the race weekend which allowed me to feel more confident on the bike," he said.
"I've only ridden the Aprilia at three different circuits and so it's taken until now to fully understand the machine. I enjoy the flowing nature of the Assen circuit which really suits my style. My aim for the weekend is to join the lead group and show my true potential onboard the RSV4."
