Former MotoGP rider Michael Laverty could be set to renew his old ties with Northern Ireland’s TAS Racing team as the Toomebridge man returns to British Superbikes in 2015.

The 33-year-old spent the past two seasons competing in the CRT and Open classes in motorcycling’s premier division for Paul Bird’s team on an Aprilia ART, but was forced to re-evaluate his options after Bird’s decision to withdraw from MotoGP after three years.

Laverty has strong links with the Moneymore outfit having previously clinched the British Supersport crown for the team in 2007.

He remained with the Ulster squad in 2008 to spearhead Philip Neill’s foray into the British Superbike Championship, finishing ninth overall on the Relentless Suzuki.

Laverty left the team the following season, competing in selected rounds of the AMA Superbike and World Supersport Championships before signing for Neill once more in 2010, securing the team’s maiden BSB success at Oulton Park and ending the campaign in fourth position.

He remained in BSB in 2011 and 2012, riding for the Swan Yamaha and Samsung Honda teams respectively, before seizing the opportunity to join the MotoGP paddock in 2013.

TAS Racing has been heavily touted as BMW’s official BSB and road racing team for 2015.


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