Image: Russell Colvin.

Voltcom Crescent Suzuki’s Eugene Laverty will return home to Ireland satisfied with his debut showing aboard the GSX-R1000 at Phillip Island despite a crushing race two DNF.

Laverty starred in race one with a come from behind victory in his first race for the rejuvenated Suzuki squad, upstaging the rider who replaced him at Aprilia, Marco Melandri, and former teammate Sylvain Guintoli.

Race two ended early while in contention for a second Phillip Island win, his engine expiring in dramatic fashion exiting Turn Four in the closing laps.

“A day of highs and lows!” he reflected. “The first race was incredible! To be so far back on the first lap and come through to win, it was the perfect race for us and a nice way to pay back the whole team for the belief they’ve shown in me.

“Paul Denning worked hard to get me onboard and he delivered everything I needed. He brought in my crew chief Phil Marron, Davide Gentile to work on the electronics, and Stan, who I’ve worked with before.

“All the rest of the boys have welcomed me, so it was nice to be able to reward them with the win right away, and it’s a win that means more to me than any so far in my WSBK career.

“The second race was a disappointment for everyone. We didn’t deserve that, that’s for sure but that’s racing and unfortunately that’s how it goes sometimes.”

Laverty sits fifth in the standings after Phillip Island on 25 points, 16 in arrears of race two winner Guintoli.