MotoGP Qatar test: Eugene Laverty gets pre-season boost

Irish rider Eugene Laverty got a major pre-season tonic in Qatar this week after he produced some impressive lap time at the 250GP night test.

Laverty, who is riding an Aprilia in 2008 after a torrid debut season with the LCR Honda squad, posted the 14th fastest time on the final night to bolster his hopes of becoming a consistent points scorer in 2008.

“I’m pretty happy because my times are up there with some of the factory bikes,” said Laverty, who is one of only three in the 250 field not to be riding a factory or factory Aprilia machine.

Eugene Laverty added: “I had a new engine in Qatar and it felt a lot better.

“I’m lapping consistently between 2.5 and three seconds faster than I did on the Honda last year which is a big step.”

The former British Supersport championship contender was also impressed with the lighting at the Losail International Circuit.

“The lights were spot on once you got used to them.

“I’d not heard anybody really talk about shadows but there were quite a lot and it makes it a bit difficult, but it should be good,” said the 21-year-old.