Laverty samples Honda history

Honda rookie Eugene Laverty had something of a history class yesterday at Motegi, when he visited the Honda Collection museum and sampled some of the classic machines on display.

Accompanied by girlfriend Pippa and fellow 250cc rider Dan Linfoot –the Aprilia man perhaps on a covert mission on ‘enemy soil'- Laverty checked out some of the key bikes from Honda's illustrious history. Amongst them, World Championship winning bikes ridden by Nicky Hayden, Valentino Rossi, Mick Doohan and Daijiro Kato received special attention from the trio.

"There's some amazing bikes here, like for example the one behind me now," commented the Ulsterman whilst standing in front of Daijiro Kato's 250cc Honda. "This is an important race for Honda, and for me because I want to finish the season strongly. The 250cc bike is something that I'm getting more and more comfortable with."

In his maiden World Championship season, Laverty has had a taste of the series and is hungry to continue, although he currently has no assurances of a ride next year.

"We'll just have to see; there's nothing completely sorted at the moment," explained the 21 year-old, who moved to 250cc competition from British Supersport at the end of last season.