Eugene Laverty is already bristling with enthusiasm for 2013 after ending the year's final World Superbike test on top of the unofficial times.
The factory Aprilia rider clocked up almost 250 laps at
Jerez on his RSV4 and set a new unofficial production bike lap record at
Jerez with a searing time of 1m 40.185s with a time that left even the Northern Irishman surprised by his pace.
Laverty, whose new team-mate for 2013 in the works Aprilia team has been confirmed as Sylvain Guintoli, said: “This was a very good test for us and the lap time shows that. We did almost 250 laps in all.
“It was nice to set the fastest lap so we can go into the winter break in a good mood.
“Honestly I didn't expect to go so fast but we made great progress with the front of the bike allowing me to push it more than ever.
“We're all set for next season.”
Guintoli, who takes over from the now retired world champion Max Biaggi, finished with the fourth fastest time behind fellow Aprilia rider
Michel Fabrizio on the Red Devils Roma machine.