Eugene Laverty has confirmed that he will quit MotoGP at the end of the current season to return to the World Superbike Championship, after signing a deal with Aprilia Racing.
The Northern Irishman had previously raced in the WSC series between 2011 and 2014, finishing runner-up in 2013, just 23 points shy of champion Tom Sykes.
He moved to MotoGP in 2015 with Aspar and currently sits 11th in the standings with a best finish of fourth in Argentina earlier this season.
Laverty says he's looking forward to a new challenge which will ultimately give him the opportunity to fight for championships rather than top ten finishes.
"I am excited to return to World Superbike with Aprilia," said the 30-year-old. "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.
"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.
"I’m returning with one objective: to be World Champion."
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