Laverty makes Tyco BMW return for 2018

Michael Laverty has returned to the Tyco BMW squad for the 2018 MCE British Superbike championship and will also contest this weekend’s Sunflower Trophy Races in Northern Ireland for the TAS Racing squad.

Laverty made his BSB comeback with Tyco BMW in 2015 after stepping away from MotoGP, making it into the BSB Showdown in that season, before narrowly missing out on the BSB Riders’ Cup in 2016 for the Northern Irish-based team.

After a difficult campaign in 2017 with McAMS Yamaha the former BSB race winner has opted to return to Tyco BMW for the 2018 BSB campaign and re-joins the squad this weekend for the Sunflower Trophy Races.

“I'm delighted to be returning to the Tyco BMW squad for the 2018 season,” Laverty said. “We enjoyed success together taking race wins in 2015 and 2016. A dip in form lead to a year’s sabbatical, which didn't prove fruitful, although the experience gained this season will make me a stronger rider.

“I'm thankful that Philip and the guys within the team have belief in my ability and looked beyond my results this year. To get back on-board the Tyco BMW S1000RR and work with the TAS engineers once again, is the perfect scenario for me.

“I'm excited to immediately get back to work with the Tyco BMW team this week at the Sunflower Trophy Races. The opportunity to begin preparations so early for next season is fantastic. I'm very motivated for the challenge ahead.”

Laverty returns to the team alongside former Tyco BMW team-mate Christian Iddon, who has already re-signed for 2018, and team manager Philip Neill is confident the team has a competitive package for next year.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Michael back to Tyco BMW after many previous successes together,” Neill said. “Michael secured our first British Supersport Championship and recorded our first race victory in Superbike.

“We enjoyed considerable success together in 2016 including two race victories, although we did lose our way somewhat towards the latter part of the year. One year further on, and we can now use the experience to strengthen our working relationship for 2018.

“BSB is such a competitive environment, so to ensure success, there are many aspects of a team to be considered and Michael has always been a perfect fit within TAS Racing. Being back on-board the BMW S1000RR was important for Michael and together with Christian Iddon, we firmly believe we have the correct people to help us deliver further success for Tyco and BMW Motorrad.”