THINGS have been looking up recently for Durham-based 250GP rider Eugene Laverty, despite a small crash last time out at Le Mans.

Now back on top form Laverty has gelled with his Blusens Aprilia and qualified just 1.8secs from pole at the previous French Grand Prix.

The Italian GP at Mugello is a favourite among riders as it's a highly technical circuit.

Irishman Laverty believes that this track could suit his kit Aprilia machine this weekend with its notorious fast flowing curves.

"Of the circuits which were new to me last year, Mugello was among my favourites, he said. It's a real rider's circuit despite the long main straight. My Aprilia chassis is a step beneath that of the official bikes, but it seems to suit flowing circuits rather than the stop and go style.

I hope to begin strongly on Friday as we've started slowly over the past few rounds and had to play catch up.

I want to make up for the disappointment of Le Mans and bounce back with a points scoring finish.

With four races in the next five weeks I need to continue my run of good form as there are a lot of points up for grabs.

I'd like to take a top 12 finish out of the next few races and Mugello might just be the place to achieve that."