Parkalgar Honda's Eugene Laverty has made a steady start to his season at Portugal's Portimao track today, concentrating on set up in mixed conditions.

The morning session saw a wet track but it dried out this afternoon. Laverty ended the day 16th on the timesheets but team boss Simon Buckmaster was happy with the Toomebridge man's approach.

“Eugene would have preferred a dry track but he applied himself professionally and made good set-up progress which will benefit him over the next two days. There is plenty more to come from both our riders," he said.

Team-mate Miguel Praia finished the session sixth fastest at his home track. CXonditions were less than ideal for Praia but he used his knowledge of the circuit and the improved performance of his Parkalgar Honda 2009 Supersport bike to show what he is capable of.