Factory Aprilia's Eugene Laverty shrugged off a low-speed crash on day two of the Jerez World Superbike test and posted the third quickest time, just three-tenths off quickest man Marco Melandri.

Laverty put in a 1'41.044,m which was only a second slower than Cal Crutchlow's fastest MotoGP race lap last season, and says he is looking forward to the next outing at Phillip Island.

"Despite the less than perfect conditions of the track, we were able to do some good work. Our progress compared to the tests in November on this same track confirm my feelings," said Laverty.

"The crash was due to a loss of grip when I tried pushing beyond the track grip limit, but it didn't compromise our testing sessions. Now I'm ready to fly to Australia where we'll finally be able to put these values to work for us on the track."