Issued: Monday September 16 2002
From a press release issued by Castrol Honda:

EDWARDS AND SP-2 BREAK IMOLA LAP RECORD

Castrol Honda’s Colin Edwards smashed the lap record at the Imola circuit in Italy on Monday during a one-day test session ahead of the final round of the World Superbike championship.

Edwards was 1.2-second inside the existing record as the 28-year-old American rider goes in search of victory in the decisive 13th round of the
championship at the Imola track on September 29.

He powered the SP-2 Honda machine around the 3.04-mile circuit in 1:48.10 and remains confident of taking a second title, adding to his 2000 success.

“We’ve had a good test, I’ve done a lot of miles and now I’m ready to race,”
said Edwards. “The guys from Michelin and Showa have gone home happy and I think we’re just about set for the final round here next week.”

Edwards’ lap time was also faster than the fastest lap recorded in last year’s inaugural World Superbike round at the famous Italian venue. That lap was set by Ruben Xaus, at 1:48.462 during the Saturday morning qualifying
session.

The Castrol rider added: “It’s OK going fast but the main reason for the test was to find a good race set-up and we¹ve pretty much done that so you
have to say today’s been a success.”

Edwards, winner of the last seven races, leads the championship by one point from defending champion Troy Bayliss as the pair head for a final-round showdown.



More, from another Honda press release announcing that John McGuinness has been replaced:

LAVERTY TO RACE FOR HONDA AT IMOLA

Young Irish rider Michael Laverty will make his World Supersport championship debut at the final round at Imola, Italy on September 29.

Laverty, 21, will join Australian Karl Muggeridge in the Honda UK team for the 12th round, replacing team regular John McGuinness.

Laverty has secured third place in this year’s British Supersport championship on a CBR600 Honda and Honda UK team manager Roger Harvey believes the time is right for the Ulsterman to move onto the world stage.

“Michael has developed tremendously during the 2002 season and after winning three of the last four British championship rounds he deserves this chance,” says Harvey.

Harvey continues: “I spoke with John McGuinness and he fully understands the need to change rider for the final round. John’s tried his hardest this year but has found it difficult to adjust to the cut and thrust of the world championship.”

Laverty will miss the final round of the British championship to take up the offer of a world championship debut.

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” reckons Laverty. “It’ll be great to dip a toe in the water at this level ­ even though I know how tough it will be against the championship regulars.

“I’m looking forward to getting on the Pirelli tyres too, I’ve used them a couple of times and really like them.”

Former Supermoto champion Laverty is hoping the Imola experience can benefit his promising career, he adds: “After racing at Assen earlier this month I’ve certainly taken a liking to the atmosphere and I’m really looking forward to the Italian experience.:


MICHAEL LAVERTY

FULL NAME:
Michael John Laverty

DATE OF BIRTH:
June 7 1981

PLACE OF BIRTH:
Ballymena, N. Ireland

HOME TOWN:
Toombridge, N. Ireland

MARRIED:
No

HOBBIES:
Skiing, cycling, running

FIRST RACE:
1998, Aghadowey, Honda 125

FIRST WIN:
1998, Mondello Park, Honda 125

FAVOURITE CIRCUIT:
Brands Hatch GP circuit

TEAM/MACHINE:
Honda CBR600F Sport

HELMET: Arai
LEATHERS: Dainese
BOOTS: Daytona


Michael Laverty
Career history

1998 Raced a 125cc Honda for Joe Millar Racing, winning numerous club races.

1999 Raced a 125cc Honda for Joe Millar Racing, finishing 15th in British championship. Also finished runner-up in Irish Supermoto championship.

2000 Raced a 125cc Honda for Joe Millar Racing, finishing seventh in British championship. Also won Irish Supermoto championship.

2001 Switched from 125cc class to Supersport class, racing for Team Ireland, finished 15th in British Supersport championship. Finished in third place in Donington Park 125 round, best finish of seventh in Supersport, at Mallory Park.

2002 Racing for Joe Millar Racing in British Supersport championship, finished third with wins at Thruxton, Cadwell Park and Mallory Park. Winner of Dutch round of European Superstock championship at Assen.