Yamaha WSBK team rider Eugene Laverty considering moving to MotoGP for 2012 season – WSBK news
Yamaha WSBK Team rider Eugene Laverty is considering switching to MotoGP for the upcoming 2012 season.
The situation arose when Yamaha factory team decided to halt its operations in WSBK series after the end of 2011 season. The withdrawal of the Japanese team has given both of its riders a free hand to search new seats in racing.
Laverty said, “I’ve been in the MotoGP paddock before and I’m in no rush to go back unless the deal is right. The WSB paddock is a much friendlier place. There is a better system here where they believe in the rider a lot more. In MotoGP you’re seen as an
idiot until you prove otherwise.”
The Irish rider aims to emulate Ben Spies. The young American rider won the WSBK title and moved up into MotoGP on his own terms. His rookie season at Tech3 earned him a seat at the Yamaha factory team for the 2011 MotoGP season.
Keeping the contract close to rider’s terms is safer for the rider if he is not able to perform well immediately. After the Yamaha revealed its decision, the Irish rider was reportedly being considered by Monster Yamaha Tech3 boss Herve Poncharal.
By the end of the 2011 MotoGP season, Colin Edwards will be leaving the Tech3 squad for a possible move to CRT contender Forward Racing in MotoGP. There will be a seat empty alongside Cal Crutchlow. On the contrary, some other names such as Bradley Smith
and Stefan Bradl are also being considered.
Laverty added, “Going with people you know is particularly important because your confidence can be knocked so easily in GP. The only other team I am considering is Suzuki. I have a good relationship with those guys.”
The Irish rider has also revealed that he might be riding in a Rizla Suzuki team as a teammate to Alvaro Bautista for the 2012 season.
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