Laverty: Mistakes ruined title bid

British Superbike title protagonist Michael Laverty has conceded that he was the architect of his own downfall in his bid to lift the prestigious crown in 2011.

Laverty was in contention to win the championship with the Swan Yamaha team, but mistakes cost him dear when the chips were down and the new HM Plant Honda signing is determined not to allow the same errors to creep into his title bid in 2012.

The respected Northern Ireland rider is bristling with confidence following his move to Honda alongside Jon Kirkham after Shane 'Shakey' Byrne's departure to PBM Kawasaki and feels he can take the extra step required to wrestle the BSB crown away from former team-mate Tommy Hill.

"With the season behind us it's nice to look back with the 20/20 vision that is hindsight," said Laverty on his official website www.michaellaverty.com.

"Overall I enjoyed the season, the Swan Yamaha team was a fun environment and they were great people to work with. I had a fantastic bike at my disposal and I learnt a lot throughout the season.

"Ultimately I made too many mistakes to become BSB champion for 2011 but I was the fastest rider over the last quarter of the season. Some may argue that point, but I could counter-argue and include a few stats to back up my point, however, all that matters is that I know it in my own head and that gives me a lot of confidence leading into 2012.

"For 2012 it's off to pastures new with the Honda Racing team. I'm really happy about my move to Honda, they have the pedigree, and their credentials speak for themselves.

"I will be working with Adrian Gorst, and he sure knows how to win titles. I look forward to learning from Adrian's experience, I'm sure we will work well together.

"They are the most successful team in BSB history - I want my first SBK title badly and Honda want it back, the ingredients are there."