The weekend’s action in Spain at the Gran Premio Movistar de Aragon did not produce exactly the sort of result that Eugene Laverty was hoping for, but he remained positive after picking up two more points in 14th place at the end of Sunday’s race.
The Pull&Bear Aspar Team rider started 16th on the grid but gradually picked up positions to get himself into the fight for the top ten. However, after a close battle with two rivals he ran wide in one of the final corners, dropping back to 14th but adding to his championship tally as he stays in the hunt for a top ten finish in the standings.
Eugene Laverty (P14): “It wasn't easy, the start of the race with the full tank was difficult but then I settled into it and got into a good rhythm with (Michele) Pirro. I wanted to try and pass him towards the end and I got close in the slipstream on the brakes into the left-hander after the straight, but the front tyre was too soft and it started moving around and I ran off the track, which cost me a couple of positions. I could have been 12th and we ended up 14th.
“Anyway, we're not too far from the top Ducati so I think we can be quite content. For me the rear tyre wear wasn't a big issue because with less grip it actually helps me a little to turn the bike but I was surprised with the condition of the front tyre so perhaps the harder tyre would have been the better choice.”