Michael Laverty will make a one-off return to the Bennetts British Superbike championship as stand-in for the injured Keith Farmer at Tyco BMW for this weekend’s Snetterton round.
The former BSB race-winner, who last raced for the TAS Racing squad in 2018, will step in at his former team for the Snetterton round with Farmer out of action after suffering fractures to both lower legs in a crash during qualifying at Knockhill last time out.
Laverty is naturally relishing the opportunity and his first chance to ride the new BMW S1000RR as he wishes Farmer a speedy recovery.
“It’s nice to be able to get back into the Championship, especially with the Tyco BMW team, they are like family to me and we have such a history together,” Laverty said. “I’m quite excited to ride the all-new S1000RR and see what it feels like.
“Obviously I would like it to be under different circumstances with Keith being out through injury, so I would like to wish him the best for a speedy return.
“I have been riding in the World Endurance Championship this year but not sprint racing. I have had no time to test the bike so it’s straight in on Friday. I’ll be giving it my best shot to give a good account of myself and the Tyco BMW team this weekend.”
Tyco BMW boss Philip Neill, who questioned how his team has such bad luck regarding injuries in recent seasons, confirmed Farmer’s replacement will be confirmed on a round-by-round basis and is looking forward to welcoming Laverty back into the fold at Snetterton.
“It’s in difficult circumstances that we have been forced to look for replacement options, but first and foremost, we wish Keith Farmer a speedy recovery from his injuries,” Neill said.
“After considering various options, we believe Michael Laverty was the correct choice for this weekend at Snetterton. He is a former BSB winner at Snetterton, as well as being a podium finisher with Tyco BMW.
“We are currently assessing the situation round-by-round and we would like to thank Michael for his support at short notice for this weekend.”
Tyco BMW were dealt further injury woe last week when Michael Dunlop suffered a fractured pelvis during the Southern 100 event on the Isle of Man.
The team’s second BSB rider Christian Iddon is hoping to be fit for Snetterton after suffering a fractured fibula in a race two crash at Knockhill.
