Image: Supplied.

BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team has signed Eugene Laverty for the 2020 Motul FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), confirming the Irishman will take the position vacated by Markus Reiterberger.

Laverty, who’s currently racing for the Go Eleven Ducati team, will join Tom Sykes next year, racing aboard the factory BMW S 1000 RR.

“First of all, we have got to thank Markus Reiterberger for his commitment and efforts,” said team principal Shaun Muir. “Equally, I’m delighted to welcome Eugene Laverty into the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team for 2020, and also to welcome him back to the SMR team. Eugene joins the team and brings with him a wealth of experience.

“We strongly believe that he can be a strong challenger for the podium. We are hopeful that as soon as he hits the track at pre-season testing in November, the bike will be on another level and I think that the combination of his experience and his speed will be a welcome addition to the WorldSBK project.”

BMW Motorrad motorsport director Marc Bongers added: “In Eugene Laverty, we welcome a very experienced rider onboard – someone who is also very familiar with Shaun Muir’s team. At the same time, we would like to say a big thank you to Markus Reiterberger.

“He was closely involved in the development of the racing version of the new RR from the word go, and has thus been instrumental in the success we have enjoyed. We will do everything we can, in the remaining races we have together in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, to ensure that we have a successful end to the season with Markus.”

Laverty raced aboard Shaun Muir Motorsport-prepared Aprilia machines in the 2017 and 2018 seasons under Milwaukee Racing. He currently sits 16th in the championship standings after an injury-riddled campaign.