BSB: Laverty learns from Hutchinson TT settings

Michael Laverty was able to make a significant step forward with his Tyco BMW Superbike at last week’s official Snetterton test with data gathered by team-mate Ian Hutchinson at the Isle of Man TT.

Hutchinson took one victory and two podium places for Tyco BMW two weeks ago at the legendary road race and progress made by the Bingley Bullet on the 37.73 mile mountain course enabled Laverty to overcome a problem he’s been struggling with on the short circuits all year.

“We’ve been suffering with movement when on the edge of the tyre all season, but after trying something Hutchy learned with the rear shock at the TT it seems we’ve been able to settle that down a bit and get more mid-corner grip,” Laverty told MCN. “Before, when I hit bumps while accelerating I could feel it through the seat but with this new setting it seems to absorb the energy much more effectively and gives us more stability.”

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The Tyco BMW squad were only present for the first day of the Snetterton test, but Laverty’s time of 1’48.102 left him top of the pile for the remainder of the two days on track after rain interrupted play after two sessions on Thursday.

“It’s nice to throw down a decent one off lap as that’s been one of my biggest weaknesses this year, but we’ve also got good race pace for when we come back here in a few weeks’ time. I think the progress made will help us elsewhere too, I’ve been saying from the start of the season that we’ve one weak area and I think the new shock setting might just fix that, which is good as we’re about to enter an important part of the year.”

Laverty took victory in the opening race of the 2016 season at Silverstone but admits he’s disappointed with his results from the first three rounds having not returned to the podium since he stood on the top step at round one.

For the full story, see today’s MCN.