MotoGP: Laverty gets Aprilia ride

LONDON, England - Northern Irish rider Michael Laverty has replaced Italian Marco Melandri, who left by mutual agreement, in the Aprilia team for Sunday's (July 12) German MotoGP.

Laverty's brother Eugene already races a Honda in MotoGP. They will be the second pair of brothers on this season's MotoGP grid along with Spaniards Pol and Aleix Espargaro.

EXCITED TO BE BACK ON GRID

"I'm excited to be back on the MotoGP grid this weekend for the German GP," said 34-year-old Michael, a hitherto test rider for Aprilia. I've witnessed some great development work through the test team - now I can look forward to being a part of the racing team."

The race at the Sachsenring will be Round 9 of the2015  MotoGP championship.

Laverty tweeted his thoughts on Wednesday (July 8) about the announcement, noting that he was looking forward to racing against his brother.

It’s been a manic 36hrs since receiving the call to race @MotoGP this weekend for @ApriliaOfficial Cool to line up alongside @eugenelaverty

— Michael Laverty (@MichaelLaverty) July 8, 2015

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