VAN DER MARK READY FOR SEASON FINALE
Michael van der Mark is looking forward to the 11th and final round of the 2014 World Supersport championship which takes place at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar this weekend (31 October – 2 November). Van der Mark, who turned 22 last Sunday, secured the 2014 title in round nine of the series at Jerez in Spain at the beginning of September. Such has been this season’s form of the new World Supersport champion that, apart from sliding off in the opening round at Phillip Island in Australia, the Dutch ace has finished no lower than second in the nine races since, notching up five race wins along the way.
This weekend’s event marks a return of the World Supersport championship to the 5.38km Losail International Circuit for the first time since 2009, when the race victory was taken by Eugene Laverty on a Honda CBR600RR. However, this final race of the 2014 season will be the first time that a race the series has taken place under floodlights.
Michael van der Mark: “I had a nice birthday with the family last weekend but now it’s back to work for the last race of the season. I’ve never been to Qatar before but I’m really excited about racing there this weekend. I like learning new circuits and it looks like a great track that should suit our bike. Also, riding at night is going to be a new experience that I’m really looking forward to. I understand that the sand in the desert can create some problems with grip, but it’s the same for everyone. This will also be my last race on the CBR600RR Supersport machine, so it might get a little emotional!”
Pieter Breddels – technical co-ordinator: “Mikey has nothing to worry about in Qatar – he is already champion and he’s going to World Superbikes next year – so he can ignore his rivals, do his job and battle for victory in his last World Supersport race. Hopefully, both riders can both be on the podium this weekend.”