Laverty confirms MotoGP exit, joins Aprilia in World Superbikes

The 30-year-old Northern Irishman will reunite with Aprilia, a marque that he was WSBK runner-up with back in 2013.

“I am excited to return to World Superbike with Aprilia,” said Laverty. “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."

Laverty, a winner of 13 World Superbike races, spent the past two years with privateer squad Aspar in MotoGP.

He was 22nd overall in his first campaign and currently sits 11th in the 2016 standings.

“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," Laverty continued.

"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."

The announcement confirms Laverty will be riding a factory Aprilia bike run by Milwaukee in 2016. Shaun Muir's team currently competes in WSBK under "Milwaukee BMW", fielding Josh Brookes and Karel Abraham.

Laverty is the second active MotoGP rider to secure a seat in World Superbikes for 2017, after Stefan Bradl signed with the Honda factory team.

And with Laverty now out of the picture at Aspar in MotoGP, current teammate Yonny Hernandez now appears set to partner Alvaro Bautista.

“Next year is going to be very exciting," Laverty said.

"There are a lot of strong riders [in WSBK] now and there will be even more next year, with Stefan Bradl coming across [from MotoGP] and me moving back. It is going to be very competitive.

"For sure, Jonathan Rea is World Champion and is leading the title chase again now, so he is going to be difficult to beat, but a lot of guys are motivated to chase him down. I’m returning with one objective: to be World Champion.”