Eugene Laverty has today confirmed his return to the World Superbike Championship with the new Milwaukee Aprilia team.

“I am excited to return to World Superbike with Aprilia. I’ve had a lot of success there, it was a great period. During my two years in MotoGP I have learned a lot; there’s been some difficult times, of course, but I have improved a lot as a rider and I’m looking forward to this next stage in my career,” said Laverty.

“I’m very motivated because for the last two years it has been a different kind of fight; I’ve been in the middle of the field, trying to improve. So, to go back with a factory Aprilia and the chance to win races and fight for a world title is a different mindset and one I am really prepared for.

“Next year is going to be very exciting. There are a lot of strong riders now and there will be even more next year, with Stefan Bradl coming across (from MotoGP) and me moving back. It is going to be very competitive. For sure, Jonathan Rea is World Champion and is leading the title chase again now, so he is going to be difficult to beat, but a lot of guys are motivated to chase him down. I’m returning with one objective: to be World Champion.”

It is believed that Lorenzo Savadori will continue with the Shaun Muir-run team into next season which leaves both Josh Brookes and Karel Abraham looking for seats.