Laverty unsure about 2016 plans

Eugene Laverty’s future in MotoGP is still uncertain despite holding a two year contract with the Aspar Honda squad. Despite the contract the team has made little secret that they are searching for riders after a miserable year for the team saw them lose their title sponsor on the eve of the season opener in Qatar.

The team has told MCN that for next year they plan to run satellite Honda machinery, this year’s Repsol Honda bikes, but the cost involved in that is quite high. As a result a rider that brings a budget would understandably be appealing to the team. Where that leaves Laverty remains to be seen but the rookie has once again made clear that his priority is to stay with the team.

“I’m really not sure what’s going on for next year,” admitted Laverty. “As far as I’m concerned last year I signed a two year contract to ride the Open bike in the first year and an official bike in year two. Hopefully that plan will go ahead all being well.

“It’s been a tough learning curve this year but it’s probably better that I’m riding a bike that isn’t quite up to standard in year one so that I can learn as much as possible. I’ve been beaten up a bit this year and that’s good because it’s made this year a real rookie year where I’ve had crashes and learned a lot. That’s all a good thing as long as I get the official Honda next year.”