PATA YAMAHA LOOKING FORWARD TO LAGUNA
The Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team of Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes cannot wait to get back on track at Laguna Seca this weekend for round eight of the 2017 FIM Superbike World Championship after an impressive showing in Misano. Both riders displayed improved pace at the last round in Italy, highlighting the continued progress the team have made throughout the season.
Van der Mark wants to continue the momentum he has been developing throughout 2017 that has seen him record two fourth place finishes in the last three races. The 24-year-old Dutch rider showed just how far he and his team had progressed by leading for the majority of race one at Misano, before a tyre failure saw him crash out with just a few laps to go, denying him the chance of his first victory fight for the team. Thanks to the pace displayed in Misano, he now heads to Laguna Seca feeling confident in his R1 and his ability to fight for a top finish once more. Van der Mark occupies sixth in the championship standings with 115 points, 26 behind his teammate Lowes.
Michael van der Mark: “I think we can say we had a very strong weekend in Misano. Despite the problems we had, it was a really good event for us and it’s clear to see that we are making good progress with the R1. So, we are going to Laguna with a lot of confidence and with a good base setting in the bike. Laguna Seca is a completely different track compared to any other, so we are curious to see how the bike will work here. I have a good feeling with the bike, my confidence is high, and I feel we are capable of being in the top 5 again!”