WSS: Laverty thrilled with win, praises Crutchlow

Eugene Laverty takes a dominant victory on home ground for Parkalgar Honda, but it isn't enough to overhaul Cal Crutchlow
Laverty, Portuguese WSS Race 2009
Laverty, Portuguese WSS Race 2009
© Gold and Goose

Eugene Laverty went some way to making up for the disappointment of missing out of the 2009 World Supersport title by claiming a dominant victory on home ground for the Vodafone Parkalgar Honda team.

Faced with the difficult task of overhauling Crutchlow having slipped 19 points behind with only 25 now on offer, Laverty did exactly what he needed to do to keep his hopes alive by converting his maiden pole position into a comfortable lights-to-flag win around Portimao.

Indeed, while Crutchlow would go on to take the title with his run to fourth place, Laverty was still pleased to take victory at Parkalgar Honda's local circuit, stating it was the one race he wanted to win.

"This is the race I wanted to win most all year, it is the home circuit of the team and the dream of Paulo Pinheiro and to take victory here in such dominant style is my way of saying a big thank you to the circuit and him for having faith in the team.

"The Portuguese fans have adopted me this year and I could hear them cheering me from the grandstands - thank you very much, I am proud to be able to win for you all.

"My Vodafone Parkalgar Honda was great and I want to thank Simon, Brains and all the team for their support; they are a great team and deserve this win. Well done to Cal Crutchlow on winning the Championship, he is a worthy Champion."

Aiding Honda's charge to a seventh straight manufacturers' title, Laverty's run to the runners-up spot in his first full season was praised by team manager Simon Buckmaster.

"That was a dominant win by Eugene and I cannot praise every single member of the Vodafone Parkalgar Honda team for the amount of effort they have put in to make this happen. We have taken the Manufacturer's title for Honda in the process which is excellent and shows exactly what the best Supersport bike is - the CBR600RR.

"Well done to all the Parkalgar Honda team, we are a privateer squad and we took the Championship to the last race and did all we could - we will come back stronger next year and the title is our clear aim.

"Thank you to the Parkalgar circuit and all the fans for their support; it's been a great year for us all. Congratulations to Cal Crutchlow for taking the World Championship."

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