Laverty: That monkey is off my back

Eugene Laverty has hailed his first rostrum in over four years as a landmark moment for both him and Milwaukee Aprilia as he looks for a strong second half of the season push.

Starting from the reverse grid race two pole position, Laverty produced an ideal getaway to lead the opening laps and build an initial gap on his direct rivals.

Despite losing the lead to Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea on lap eight before being passed by Aruba.it Racing Ducati’s Chaz Davies at mid-race distance, Laverty maintained his consistent race pace to secure third place ahead of the charging Pata Yamaha pair.

Laverty’s first rostrum since 2014’s race two at Sepang also marked the Shaun Muir Racing-run squad’s maiden podium in the World Superbike championship since stepping up to the series in 2016.

“It's been a great weekend in general and it's nice to get that monkey off my back,” Laverty said. “That was a great race and result, it was reminiscent for me of Phillip Island where we were strong. The first three laps went to plan, I just aimed to be careful and try to extend the lead.

“When this bike has good grip it's exceptional, so I had to ride at 90% for the first stint and then began pushing in the later stages. I handled my rhythm well and got passed by Johnny and then Chaz, but I felt comfortable.

“I knew I could hold off the guys behind, and then I dropped the hammer for the last few laps to secure third.”

Laverty's result also marks Aprilia's first podium in almost two years in the series since IodaRacing Aprilia's Alex de Angelis secured second place in a wet race two at Lausitzring.