Relentless Suzuki by TAS' Michael Laverty looked set to take his first podium finish of the Bennetts British Superbike season at Mallory Park last weekend but despite having one of his strongest performances this year he left only with five points.
In race one Laverty was in the front five pack fighting for the win but it wasn't to be. First he clashed at Shaw's Hairpin with Shane Byrne and then he was caught out by backmarkers
Race two looked like Laverty was going to finally achieve the result he deserved but he was caught out by the changing conditions as he tried to break away from the chasing pack whilst leading.
Laverty said: "We didn't have much luck at Mallory Park, but again we can take positives from both races. I was pretty much quickest through qualifying; then in the first race I was comfortable behind Cal until Shakey hit me. I was just waiting for the last ten laps to have a go but I got caught up in backmarkers and lost the front. In race two we made a decision to go with a wet front and I knew what I had to do. I'd made up five seconds in three laps at the front of the field, but I was too confident and pushed just too hard. As I say, we've made progress with the bike and the boys gave me an extra tenth with the set up. I now have real confidence in the package and having now opened a few eyes I'm confident we can be up there every weekend.
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