MotoGP: Eugene Laverty 12th in Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin

Eugene Laverty has made a consistent start to the MotoGP season

Eugene Laverty secured his third straight points finish of the MotoGP season as he took 12th in the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin.

With Valentino Rossi and Dani Pedrosa among the riders to crash out, Aspar Team rider Laverty moved up the field in Texas from 17th spot early on.

Laverty, 29, finished fourth in the previous round in Argentina.

Marc Marquez secured his fourth straight win in the race as he finished 6.107 seconds ahead of Jorge Lorenzo.

Italy's Ducati rider Andrea Iannone took third spot 10.947 seconds behind Marquez.

Laverty is now ninth in this year's championship on 21 points after also finishing 12th in the season opener in Qatar.

The Toomebridge man managed just nine points last season.

Laverty's performance completed a good day for his family after his brother Michael took a victory at the British Superbikes Championship meeting at Silverstone.