FRONT ROW FOR VAN DER MARK IN MISANO HEAT
Pata Honda’s Michael van der Mark will start tomorrow’s seventh round World Supersport championship race from the front row of the grid after setting the second-fastest time right at the end of this afternoon’s qualifying session at Misano in Italy. The 21-year-old Dutch ace left his best lap until last and was in a provisional second-row starting position as the chequered flag went out for the end of the session. But van der Mark put in a great effort to re-take second place on the timing sheet alongside pole-sitter Jules Cluzel for tomorrow’s 19-lap race at the 4.226km Misano circuit.
Michael van der Mark: “I’m really happy with today because this morning we didn’t really focus on a fast lap and instead worked on a race simulation. The CBR feels really good and the simulation was really fast. We had a good set-up for this afternoon’s qualifying and immediately I started to push and improve the lap time. I needed some laps and there was a bit of traffic but at the end I did my fastest lap time. Second place on the grid is good and for sure in the race tomorrow I’m really sure we can fight for the win.”
Pieter Breddels – technical co-ordinator: “Michael’s weekend so far has been really good. He was really strong in qualifying – second place and a front row start is more than fine and his race pace is looking strong, too.”