Laverty Tests Yamaha World SBK Machine

Having signed to the Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team for the 2011 season 24yr old rider Eugene Laverty got his first taste of the YZF-R1 Superbike today at the Magny Cours circuit in France. The first of the team tests in advance of next year was marred by bad weather; heavy rain in the morning preceded a slowly drying track in the afternoon. Laverty initially spent some time out on the track on full wet tyres before changing to a slick rear and intermediate front for the final couple of laps of the day as the track dried out. Despite the wet conditions he was at home on the bike immediately, impressing the team with his feedback and pace over the day?s sessions.

Felipe Massa Cristiano da Matta Michael May Timmy Mayer Francois Mazet