Michael van der Mark replaces Jonas Folger at Monster Yamaha Tech 3 for the Malaysian GP, with the German still sidelined as he recovers from illness.
Already a podium finisher for Yamaha in WorldSBK, van der Mark is also a three-time winner of the Suzuka 8H – most recently taking victory in 2017 for the first time with Yamaha – and a World Champion, having dominated the 2014 World Supersport season to take the crown.
First called up for MotoGP duty to replace Valentino Rossi at Aragon, that was called off as the ‘Doctor’ was passed fit to ride – but Sepang offers him a new opportunity to try a MotoGP machine.
“I’m really happy,” smiles the Dutchman. “Obviously I went to Aragon to replace Valentino and then he rode the bike – which is still incredible – and then a couple of weeks later I finally get this opportunity. It’ll be interesting, and amazing to ride a MotoGP bike for the first time.”
There are a number of key differences between the R1 in World Superbike and the M1 ‘Magic Michael’ will be riding at Sepang – with tyres and brakes sure to prove two of the biggest changes to adapt to. But the Dutchman has a succinct goal for the weekend: progress.
“There’s a lot to learn during the weekend and it’s difficult to say what I expect,” says the Yamaha rider.
“But I hope to enjoy the weekend and improve in every session. That’s my main goal. If I’ve done that, by the end of the weekend I can be happy.”
