Q&A: Eugene Laverty.

Eugene Laverty, 250 GP rider, is in the British Superbike paddock for the first round of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship. He is supporting his brothers and enjoying being a spectator as he told Crash.net Radio.....

Question:
How are you finding things in the MotoGP paddock?

Eugene Laverty:
It is a fair bit different to the BSB paddock to be honest, but I've been here for quite a few years so it feels like home. Moving to GPs is different but it is nice and it is a change for me and it is a step in the right direction for my career.

Q:
You've had some good results so far, can you talk us through them?

EL:
At Qatar I finished up eighteenth in the race there but at Jerez I managed to pick up two points, which at this stage of the year is a bonus. Now I've got something to aim for and I have to be consistent and have point scoring finishes. The next few rounds will be difficult as it is two new circuits for me, Turkey and China but it is going to be the way of the season I've got a lot of learning to do. Hopefully I can do enough to impress this season and get a factory ride in 2008.

Q:
How are you finding the travel?

EL:
At the beginning it was difficult, I got ill at Qatar, I picked up a tummy bug at the test there, and then the travel didn't help, that just made it worse. Spain wasn't too far to travel but now I've got a few long distance ones in Turkey and China. They will be a bit of a test for me, but it is the same for all the riders so I best just get used to it.

Q:
Are you enjoying being back in the BSB paddock?

EL:
I really am just seeing all the familiar faces again and I'm just here as a spectator for once. My brothers Michael and John are here so I'm just supporting them and it is quite a relaxed atmosphere and I'm happy to be here.

Q:
How are your brothers getting on this weekend?

EL:
Fairly well, John had a few problems but Michael was running provisionally fifth, so they are going to be there. John is a championship contender as is Michael and with Jonathan Rea in Superbike we could have an Irish white wash.

Q:
Are there many Irish in the MotoGP paddock to keep you company?

EL:
Not so many that I can think of, Chris Richardson, one of the mechanics in the LCR MotoGP team. But it is quite a lonely time in the GP paddock at the minute but it is going to take this year to get to know a few faces and make it a bit more like home.