Eugene Laverty scored a double victory in Sunday's World Superbikes races in Istanbul then immediately indicated that he would be released by his Aprilia team at the end of the season.

The Antrim man was in outstanding form as he took the chequered flag in both races to register the second double win of his career - the first having come at Monza two years ago.

Laverty overhauled pole-sitter and championship leader Tom Sykes in both races to move within 26 points of the championship summit, although it appears he may yet be seeking pastures new in 2014 amid rumours Aprilia are keen on hiring Marco Melandri.

Writing on Twitter after the second race, Laverty said: "DOUBLE VICTORY!! So pleased to win both races here in Istanbul to put us back into the title fight.

"Strange feeling though to win both races and to be on the lookout for a new job. Anyone out there need a fast employee for 2014?"

Certainly there should be no shortage of suitors should Aprilia indeed part company with Laverty, who came through to win by two seconds from Melandri in the first race of the day, with Sykes having to be content with third.

In race two, Laverty passed Sykes for the lead on the 12th lap and held on to win by a second from the Kawasaki rider, with the second Aprilia of Sylvain Guintoli in third.

Although frustrated not to turn his pole positions into wins, Briton Sykes at least had the consolation of increasing his lead in the riders' standings to eight points over Guintoli thanks to his podium double.