Eugene Laverty is aiming for World Supersport Championship success in 2009 with the British-based Portuguese-owned Parkalgar Honda team.

The talented 22-year-old from Toomebridge in Northern Ireland is delighted to have signed to ride the Parkalgar Honda CBR600RR and is confident he can challenge for the top three in the Championship.

A product of the Red Bull Rookies programme, Eugene struggled in 250GP racing for the last two years on machinery that wouldn't let him compete at the front. Now the 2004 British 125cc Championship runner up and 2006 third-place finisher in the British Supersport Championship is ready for a return to winning ways.

“Racing for Parkalgar Honda is a great opportunity for me”, explained Eugene. “The Parkalgar Honda team is top notch and that has been proved race after race in the World Supersport Championship this year. It prepares a very fast and competitive motorcycle and I can't wait to be racing it. A big plus with Parkalgar Honda is the team is English-based, which means we all speak the same language and come from the same set of islands.”

“I think I will be able to compete for the top three in the World Championship – but more than that I am racing to challenge for top honours – exactly the same targets as Parkalgar Honda. There are strong riders in the series for 2009 but I think I can run with them all and I have proved it already this year by taking a podium third place as a wild-card rider at the Vallelunga round of the Championship – that has to be my career highlight to date. It also shows me the competition can be beaten.”

“I know quite a few of the tracks the series visits but not them all, however, I didn't know Vallelunga and managed a podium on my first visit, so learning tracks will not be an issue. I am looking forward to getting back to racing at the front and can't wait to get testing with the team. Thanks to Parkalgar Honda for its faith in me, I will not disappoint.”

Parkalgar Honda Team Manager Simon Buckmaster said: “I noticed Eugene in the 2006 British Supersport Championship and I was massively impressed by his speed and talent. I think with the right backing from Parkalgar Honda there is no question he will be a title contender in 2009, it is what we all want and we will leave no stone unturned to make it happen. He's already a hit with the technicians and our Portuguese team owners – he speaks well and has a determination that is second to none. Roll on 2009.”

© CAPSIS International