Eugene Laverty not ruling out MotoGP switch in 2014

WSB title contender Eugene Laverty has joined a queue almost as long as the Boxing Day sales in Oxford Street for one of two sought after rides on a Yamaha YZR-M1 engine and chassis package in 2014.

Unsure of Aprilia’s future in World Superbikes, the Irishman held talks with the Italian-based Forward Racing squad in the Czech Republic last weekend.

Forward Racing will run a Yamaha YZR-M1 1000cc motor using 24 litres and controlled ECU hardware and software under new rules for non-factory bikes.

Colin Edwards, Nicky Hayden, Aleix Espargaro, Marco Melandri and Jonathan Rea have all been linked with the Forward Racing squad and MCN caught up with former 250GP privateer Laverty to get his thoughts on the future.
 
There are lots of rumours Aprilia may quit WSB, so do you have any idea of their plans?
“I really haven’t heard anything and I don’t know what their plans are in World Superbike or in MotoGP. I’ve enjoyed my time with Aprilia and a third year would be nice with them.”
 
What options are you interested then in WSB?
“I’ve made it clear the only two bikes I want to be on is the Aprilia and Kawasaki. The Kawasaki is a step above us but with BMW gone, the Aprilia is the only other bike capable of winning right now.

“Kawasaki has signed Tom (Sykes) and (Loris) Baz is on the brink of signing. Sylvain (Guintoli) has a contract for ‘14, so if Aprilia stay I’d like to be on the second bike, but if not I’ve got to be looking at MotoGP.”
 
What are the options in MotoGP that interest you?
“Like a lot of people I am definitely interested in the Forward Racing and Yamaha project. I have spoken to them and that’s definitely going to be an interesting package for next year.

“They are going to have something really good but if Aprilia decided to put more effort into its MotoGP project then it would definitely interest me.  I’m really open to all options.”
 
Do you feel you need to be making the move back to the MotoGP paddock now?
“MotoGP looks like it is going to get stronger and stronger with Suzuki coming back soon as well. I’ve always wanted to come back here and while I’ve always enjoyed WSB, racing against guys like (Jorge) Lorenzo, (Valentino) Rossi and (Dani) Pedrosa is where I aim to be.

“CRT didn’t interest me before but I am seeing what they are doing with the non-factory bikes it is looking like the gap will be smaller and smaller and that could be a good stepping stone.”
 
The Yamaha with 24 litres of fuel would certainly be a competitive bike to race wouldn’t it?
“I have been with Yamaha in the past when they stopped in World Superbikes and I think they will do something pretty special with that bike next year.

“There will be some tracks where it could really standout with the extra fuel and it could be a good package to get a few riders in there to show what they can do.”