MotoGP: Eugene Laverty eyes another top ten hit at Le Mans

The Northern Ireland rider is in the midst of an exceptional run of form in the premier class on the Aspar Ducati and is currently ninth in the standings, three points behind Avintia Racing’s Hector Barbera and ahead of British contenders Bradley Smith, Scott Redding and Cal Crutchlow after the first four races, who are currently in 12th, 14th and 18th places respectively.

Laverty, ninth last time out at Jerez in Spain, is also ahead of factory Ducati stars Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso after a whirlwind start to the 2016 championship, which saw a dramatic turnaround in his fortunes after the Toomebridge man endured an injury-hit pre-season.

The 29-year-old, who only made his MotoGP debut in 2015, sealed his best result so far in Argentina with a stunning fourth place at the Termas de Rio Honda circuit last month and Laverty has carried that momentum in the European races.

Le Mans is a circuit Laverty feels will suit his Desmosedici GP14.2 and the former World Superbike Championship runner-up can’t wait to get started tomorrow.

“I was very satisfied with the last race at Jerez.

“My aim was to maintain this strong top ten form and we did exactly that with ninth position,” Laverty said.

“We arrive at Le Mans with good confidence and good momentum, my aim is to make another top ten finish and keep fighting to be the top independent team.

“We were so close at Jerez, just 1.5 seconds off, so this time we want to make sure we arrive first,” he added.

“I think the Le Mans circuit should actually suit our bike a lot, so I am looking forward to it.”