Eugene Laverty will continue in the World Superbike Championship in 2021 after signing a deal with the Italian RC Squadra Corse satellite BMW team.

The news comes after weeks of speculation but BMW’s new satellite teams have now been confirmed, with former MotoGP rider James Folger competing for the Bonovo Action squad. Both teams will run the new M1000RR machine next year.

Northern Ireland man Laverty rode for the factory-backed BMW squad this season but was not retained for a second year, with Tom Sykes and new signing Michael van der Mark the preferred line-up for the Shaun Muir-run outfit.

Laverty, who brings a wealth of experience to the table, will also be BMW’s test rider after he was involved in the development of the new ‘M’ Superbike.

The 2013 championship runner-up finished in 15th this year with a best result of eighth.

RC Squadra Corse have been in the World Superbike paddock for a number of years now, and have also claimed podium finishes in the 2020 World Supersport Championship.