Voltcom Suzuki’s Eugene Laverty will start the two World Superbike races at Laguna Seca from the second row after clinching sixth position during qualifying yesterday. The last time the Irishman started on that close to the front was at the opening round at Phillip Island, and the racer is relieved to finally have a ‘decent’ qualifying session.

Running in the top five on race tyres for the opening laps of the early afternoon session, Laverty pushed hard on his GSX-R to maintain his pace on the qualifying rubber, scoring sixth position to round out the second row for Sunday's two contests.

The Monaco-based resident has had success at the American track before, and last time out was a double podium finisher, which included a race win. Now the rider wants to emulate his good form from last September to take another victory today.

“Finally a decent qualifying result. It’s the first time we have been on the second row since Phillip Island, so we have made a good step as our task has been to improve our one-lap pace,” said Laverty.

“I’m confident we will be strong over the race, it’s now just a matter of getting a good start and trying to go with the front guys. I’m looking forward to the races and to finishing at the front.”