Factory Aprilia WSBK rider Eugene Laverty says that his intention for the 2013 season is to become world champion following successful tests at Jerez.
The Irishman, who will test again at Phillip Island a week on Monday, believes that a year of development on the rocketship RSV4 should steer him firmly in the big trophy's direction.
"With a season's experience behind me, I can certainly aim at important results. I prepared well over the winter and during the first tests of the season I worked really hard, together with the Team, on the development of the RSV4. It's a bit soon to start talking about goals and rankings, but I have to admit that my intention is to become World Superbike Champion," said the Monaco resident.
"During the tests at Jerez we made some huge progress in terms of the feeling with the front end and that's quite important when you consider my riding style. Now I'm able to push to the limit and maintain a high level of confidence even over several laps.
"Obviously improvement is not optional. In this sport if you snooze you lose, but I think I can say I'm satisfied with the technical situation. Before the races in Australia we'll have two testing sessions where we'll iron out the final details and make some definitive choices for the beginning of the season."
