Laverty has reached 'turning point' in season

Samsung Honda's Michael Laverty is convinced his victory at Snetterton last time out in the MCE British Superbike Championship was a 'turning point' as he bids to put his title charge back on track.

The 31-year-old, who has since finished on the rostrum in the Endurance World Championship race in Doha as a replacement rider in the Honda TT Legends team, hauled himself into fourth position in the championship table in the previous round with a win and runner-up finish.

It was Laverty's first success of the season on the CBR1000RR Fireblade and the Toomebridge man intends to build on the result this weekend at the fifth round of the championship at Knockhill in Scotland.

"Snetterton was the turning point for me and now I am looking forward to Knockhill where I need to maintain the momentum and score more strong points and podium credits," Laverty said.

"I enjoy riding the circuit and think that it should suit our bike and that we should be able to maintain our form, continuing where we left off at both Snetterton and Doha.

"Now we have to keep it rolling to keep our championship on track, he added.

"There was a lot of pressure on my shoulders going into Snetterton, but that one good weekend under our belts has put us into a comfortable fourth place and importantly in the top six where we have to stay.

"We'll keep chipping away to ensure that and then come on strong in the Showdown."

Laverty's pre-season form in testing had marked him out as a slight favourite for the BSB title, but he struggled to make an impact until his breakthrough at Snetterton.

However, Laverty's confidence has been restored following his triumph at Snetterton and rostrum result at Qatar on his World Endurance debut and the Honda ace will expect to feature prominently at the Fife circuit on Sunday.