FIRST STEPS TAKEN TOWARDS 2017 AS VAN DER MARK AND YAMAHA COMPLETE ARAGON SHAKEDOWN
The Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team returned to Spain this week as preparations began for the 2017 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship. Completing two days at Motorland Aragon’s 5,077m circuit, the YZF-R1’s were put through their paces as the Yamaha crew evaluated a raft of hardware and electronics updates. Michael van der Mark and his new team mate Alex Lowes were satisfied with the progress made and new information discovered.
Van der Mark’s introduction to the Pata Yamaha team and machine proved productive. Initially concentrating on basic set up, balance and understanding his YZF-R1, the Dutchman quickly got comfortable with his new Superbike allowing consistent and impressive pace throughout the test – without pushing for outright times – and already improving on the Yamaha’s level of performance achieved during April’s race visit.
With the extensive testing program complete and additional areas now identified for targeted development, Van der Mark and Lowes are looking forward to 2016’s final on-track analysis ahead of the winter break, as the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team travels to Andalucía for three days of testing, scheduled at Circuito de Jerez next week.