DURHAM-based Eugene Laverty made up for the disappointment of Le Mans today finishing in an excellent 13th position in the 250cc Grand Prix at Mugello, Italy.

The finish and the three points that went with it means he's now outscored his last year's overall points tally after just six rounds.

Irishman Laverty was involved in a race long battle for 12th with Italian rider Alex Baldolini, but having led exiting the final turn he was pipped to the line by the local rider.

"This is a great result for both myself and the team," he said. "My lap times were very strong and I finished just 47 seconds behind the race winner.

"We've been making progress at each and every round since Portugal and it's all credit to the team for working with me to improve the ma-chine.

"I'd been chasing a top 12 finish and I was on course only to get edged out by Baldolini at the line.

"His bike was faster than mine today which made the race very difficult, particularly with the long main straight.

"Anyway I've outdone my points haul from last year already so I'm pleased with what we've achieved on one of only two non-factory Aprilias out there."

The MotoGP World Championship now moves to Barcelona for next week's Catalan Grand Prix.

Catalunya is the home race for the Blusens Aprilia team so Laverty will be looking to achieve another solid result.