Michael Laverty: “I don't know if I'll stay in MotoGP, it depends on whether Aprilia signs Paul Bird”

Michael Laverty, the older brother of the more famous Eugene who finished the season in 2nd place in SBK, still doesn't know what he will do next year. The 32-year-old Irishman, fresh from a very tough season in MotoGP with the Paul Bird team's ART, doesn't know whether his team will still be in the world championship next year or not: In fact, Bird spoke with Aprilia in Valencia to try to become Noale's new reference team in MotoGP after the end of the relationship with Aspar. Aprilia took its time, however, because it is thinking of entrusting Giampiero Sacchi's team to Ioda, larger than Paul Bird's and above all logistically closer to Noale. In the event that there is no agreement with Aprilia, Bird has made it known that he will give up the championship and Laverty would do the same.

“I want to stay in MotoGP and I think Paul also wants the same thing – said Michael Laverty – for him the second part of the season was frustrating because we didn't have any progress on the bike, so it is important to have a collaborative relationship with the manufacturers to help us develop the bike, even if we are not yet close to an agreement. Now Paul is pushing hard with Aprilia, but he told me that if he doesn't sign with the Noale company he will end his adventure in MotoGP and in that case he guaranteed me a place in his team in the British Superbike. This year has been hard for all of us, but it has helped us learn many things so it would be a shame to leave now. But if we want to improve we need the support of the house and after a year with Aprilia now either we sign with them or it makes no sense to start from scratch with a new engine to develop"

Photos: Alex Farinelli