Michael Laverty is seeking a return to the podium next weekend at Brands Hatch (5-7 August) as the Swan Yamaha rider bids to maintain his current top six position in the overall standings and close the deficit in the tally of podium credits.

Laverty currently lies fourth overall, eight points ahead of defending champion Ryuichi Kiyonari, but with one victory and a third place he only has four podium credits to his tally, whilst the leading trio of Shane 'Shakey' Byrne, Tommy Hill have 16 with Hopkins only one adrift. Laverty believes that this round could prove critical to the final championship decider later in the season.

Laverty said:

"I am really looking forward to getting back out on the Swan Yamaha at Brands Hatch. As it will be the track the title decider will take place on we really need to get the best set up we possibly can as it will be so important when we return at the end of the season. We need to remain inside the top six and in the next six races we really need to score some more of those podium credits. We may still be a few races away from the Showdown but that is what everyone is focused on and then working towards the season finale.

"We know the Swan Yamaha had the pace on the Indy circuit earlier in the season and we made some god progress at Oulton Park which should benefit us on the Grand Prix circuit. The Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit is definitely going to be a case of a double whammy for all of us and it will be a case of looking for a good weekend to put ourselves in a strong position for the last round. I want to be back on the podium for the Swan Yamaha team and with three races there is no reason why we shouldn't be able to be challenging again."