Eugene Laverty has confidence in Ducati firepower at Mugello

The Northern Ireland rider has been in flying form this season on the Aspar Ducati and is currently ninth in the points table.

“We’ve had five good races with points-scoring finishes so the important thing is to continue that run at Mugello,” Laverty said.

“Having the Ducati horsepower this year will be a big help at Mugello; the engine is so important around there. The focus is on the points, which starts with qualifying better on Saturday, to try and make my job easier on Sunday and try to get in the top 10 in the race. “The Italian fans at Mugello are always pretty special and this will be my first time riding in Italy on a Ducati so I am sure we will have plenty of support.”

* A limited number of places remain for next weekend’s Nutt Travel coach trip to the World Superbike round at Donington Park.

The trip includes return ferry travel from Belfast to Cairnryan departing next Friday morning, May 27, plus two nights’ accommodation in a three-star B&B, returning on Sunday evening, May 29.

Return coach travel to and from circuit plus general admission tickets is included in price. Details: 028 703 51199.