Voltcom Suzuki’s Eugene Laverty is relishing the hot conditions during today’s World Superbike free practice sessions at Jerez. He is brimming with confident after being up the sharp end - ending the afternoon in sixth on the combined timesheets.
Initially working on improvements to his bike, the Irishman consistently improved on his lap times as the day progressed. The culmination of his efforts was almost enough to see him on the provisional front row. His fastest time of the two sessions – a 1’42.899 set on his last lap left him just 0.2 off the day’s best, even though he was held up by traffic in the final sector.
The Monaco-based resident is just happy to be back after the long summer break, with the aim of doing the double once again at the hot Spanish track.
“It’s nice to be back at a race weekend again after so long away. Like we thought it’s hot and slippery and it’s suiting my riding style and the bike - we’re right at the sharp end,” said Laverty.
“There’s nothing in it between the front guys. It’s also good to see that we are able to use our new tyre, this year we haven’t been able to so I’m hoping in Superpole that we can qualify on those front two rows and be there at the beginning of the race on Sunday.”
