Parkalgar Honda's Eugene Laverty has been lapping at pole position pace during his private test at the Portimao circuit ahead of next weekend's World Supersport season final in Portugal.

Laverty is 11-points behind title rival Cal Crutchlow going into the weekend, and it is his first time at the track on a Supersport bike. However, team boss Simon Buckmaster is impressed with how the young Irishman had ridden over the past two days.

“Eugene, on his first outing here on a Supersports bike, has been very impressive. He is consistently in the 1'45secs per lap and going against last year’s times that is very quick. He is looking good and sharp and we will be going all out to win the race for our team and the track – which is the team’s main backer," said Buckmaster.

"It would really make our day on Sunday if we could repay the circuit by winning here for them and the Portuguese fans – and we still have a chance at the world title and haven’t given up on that either.”