Tyco BMW’s Michael Laverty is pleased with his efforts on an opening day at Knockhill that saw him top MCE British Superbike second practice.

Laverty posted a stunning 48.009 late in the second session in Scotland to break the lap record in the process and the Ulsterman was content with his efforts stating that he feels he has the race pace alongside his one lap speed.

“It was a good first day for us,” he said. “It’s always nice to be top of the timesheets at the end of it but more importantly I felt quite comfortable in the race setting.

"I could do mid-48 lap-times and I think that’s going to be pretty strong as a race pace, so I’m happy with how the bike is working and how I was feeling out there on track.

“It’s such a busy track Knockhill, you feel like you’re fighting the bike all the time so I do feel like I’m having to work hard to do it but at the same time the lap-times are there so you don’t mind that when it comes.”

The Tyco BMW rider is confident ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying and he believes that with a bit of luck weather-wise he can have a successful weekend in Fife.

“I think we’re on for a good race on Sunday,” said Laverty. “It depends on the weather, the rain could come yet so fingers crossed that we get a bit of sunshine and we can see what we can do.

“We should be back on the podium this weekend if everything goes according to plan.”