Eugene Laverty second in both WSB races at Silverstone
Last updated on .From the section Motorsport
Northern Ireland's Eugene Laverty clinched two second places in Sunday's World Superbike Championship round at Silverstone.
Laverty said he hoped his performances would be a boost for his brother John who is in hospital after a high speed crash at Oulton two weeks ago.
Carlos Checa won both races to tighten his grip on the world title.
The Althea Ducati rider has stretched his lead over reigning champion Max Biaggi to 62 points.
Checa won the opening race by three seconds after taking over control from Laverty.
The Irishman held out for second on the podium ahead of Marco Melandri who had enough of a gap to hold off BMW's Leon Haslam.
Checa took another comfortable win in race two after passing early leader Laverty with his team-mate Melandri again in third.
"I have got to be happy. It was a better second race for me," said Toomebridge man Laverty.
"I was going for a victory but two seconds will have to do.
"I wanted to win for my brother John who is laid up in hospital and hopefully this has cheered him up a bit.
"I was pushing for the win but every time I closed in on Carlos he reacted. He had the edge today."
