Eugene Laverty hails stunning podium

Eugene Laverty hailed his brilliant World Supersport podium in Vallelunga as the ‘best day’ of his career.

The Irish rider, who has quit his Blusens Aprilia 250 squad for the remaining four races to focus on clinching a top World Supersport deal for 2009, finished third in a thrilling race.

Riding injured Fabien Foret’s Yamaha R6, Laverty produced a brilliant display to climb from seventh on the grid to third as he was beaten by team-mate Broc Parkes and Honda rider Johnny Rea.

What made Laverty’s ride even more impressive was the fact that he was still in pain from the broken bones in both feet that he suffered during qualifying for the Indianapolis 250GP earlier this month.

“This has been the best day of my career, “said a jubilant Laverty. “All things considered it was unbelievable. When I moved into second place it really didn’t register for me as I was only focused on going forward.  My injured feet had been causing me a lot of aggravation throughout practice so for the race I went to the Clinica Mobile and they resolved my problems.

“It was a hell of a race and I almost went down when Andrew Pitt hit into me but somehow I managed to stay upright.  This race was a great insight into what next year will be all about.”

Laverty confirmed he had split from his Blusens Aprilia team on the eve of the Vallelunga clash, and he won’t be riding in Japan this weekend.

He added: “On Thursday I decided to part company with my 250 team.  I had high hopes of a strong second half to the season but promised parts didn’t arrive and following big crashes in Misano and Indianapolis I realised things weren’t going to get any better.  My result in Vallelunga proves that I made the right decision and I’m so pleased to be back on the podium.”