Northern Ireland's Eugene Laverty had his first test ride this week on the Yamaha YZF-R1 that he will be competing on next year in the World Superbikes championship.
Having signed to the Yamaha Sterilgarda World Superbike Team for the 2011 season, the 24-year-old experienced his first taste of the bike at the Magny Cours circuit in France where Laverty won his final Supersport race last weekend.
The first of the team tests in advance of next year was marred by bad weather; heavy rain in the morning preceded a slowly drying track in the afternoon.
Laverty initially spent some time out on the track on full wet tyres before changing to a slick rear and intermediate front for the final couple of laps of the day as the track dried out.
Yamaha Racing
Despite the wet conditions he was at home on the bike immediately, impressing the team with his feedback and pace over the day’s sessions.
Laverty's Magny Cours Supersport win was his eighth win of the season for Parkalgar Honda, for whom he secured second in the championship to add to his five pole position starts and a total of ten podium finishes.
And he was delighted with his opening ride on the YZF-R1.
“I enjoyed the first experience,” Laverty said. "But I have to admit I was a little unsure beforehand what the power delivery would be like.
'I'm really at home on the bike, so I'm really happy' – Eugene Laverty
"I was pleasantly surprised. It’s been very smooth so far, although it was a little wet. We got a little dry time at the end so I got an insight into what it’s going to be like tomorrow with the full power when we get cracking in the morning.
"I feel very welcome with the team and really at home on the bike so I’m really happy.”
Laverty's new team crew were also pleased with their new acquisition. Crew chief Frankie Carchedi said: "Today was a good day as we were able to focus on getting Eugene physically comfortable on the bike, making some adjustments to fit his body size to the R1.
"The weather has definitely not been on our side so far but we made the most of the wet track to get him started with a softer setting.
"He exceeded our expectations in the short time we were on the track so we are looking forward to hopefully a dry day tomorrow to make further progress.”
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