Samsung Honda's Michael Laverty has been hugely impressive during pre-season testing on the CBR1000RR, raisinܫg expectations of a serious title challenge in the MCE British Superbike Championshi🦩p this season.

The U😼lsterman signed for the Louth-based team after switching from Swan Yamaha and appears to have instantly gelled with the Honda as he targets a strong start to the new campaign at Brands Hatch this weekend.

"I'm enjoying the bike, it has a nice power delivery and we are running a pretty gꦯood pace and with the new rules for this season we are there, or thereabouts," said Laverty.

"This bike and the one I rode last season are🌸 polar opposites and it took me two days to feel comfy, but then I was able to push the boundaries out.

"Last season I got in a position to be champion,ꦕ but made a few errors, but I've matured enough to know what🃏 I have to do," he added.

"Honda have confidence in me to do the job - it is good to be in the most successfu🏅l team in the paddock. I am settled with them, the te🐼am are relaxed, know what they are doing and they have the experience that I can learn from."

Laverty's team-mate in the factory Honda team, Jon Kirkham, showed his potential last season when he claimed a coveted BSB victory at Croft and is confiden𝔉t he has the best package in the championship.

"It took a little time to dial into the bike, but we are there now. We have the best package and that is good as the new regulations for the series puts rid💞er ability first," said 🥀Kirkham.

"I am just looking forward now to getting out there and getting good results. The team around me is a friendly bunch and I settled with t🎃hem straightaway. My targets are to be running up front and posing questions if I am not on the podium."