Aprilia's Eugene Laverty believes that his pace in the opening World Superbike sessions at Motorland Aragon today could be the turning point of the season after some long-standing electronic issues were finally ironed out.

The Irishman was running top four pace all day, finishing the first qualifying session only six-tenths off Marco Melandri's oace with a provisional front-row start for Sunday's double-header.

“This was definitely the best Friday of the season. We knew we could be fast straight away after the good test sessions last week. I really want to forget about the last three races. Aragon could very well be the turning point for my season," said the Toomebridge man.

"Anyway there is still a lot of room for improvement before we can aim for the podium, which is still my goal. The temperatures are definitely not normal, especially for me, so Sunday I'll be expecting two hard races."