Via worldSBK.com

It took one of last year's instant successes, Eugene Laverty, no time at all to prove he was a real asset to the SBK grid, and he ended up fourth in the overall rankings with Yamaha. After the Japanese manufacturer decided to opt out for 2012, Laverty eventually landed a plum ride, one of the best available, with the official Aprilia Racing Team (photo Laverty in new leathers).

His transition to the RSV4 so far has been almost seamless, as he explains. "It was disappointing for both Marco and me having been signed in for the second year with Yamaha, but I have been fortunate to have picked up a competitive ride even though for a fair few months it was not so nice, because I was still looking for a job. It has worked out well. As soon as I got on the Aprilia it felt quite rigid but it suited me right away, and I could be fast on it right away."

Read the rest of the story over at WorldSBK.com