Pata Yamaha’s Michael van der Mark heads to his home round at the TT Circuit Assen in Holland brimming with confidence after a decent start to his 2017 campaign.
The Dutchman has made steady progress across 2017’s three rounds so far, finishing inside the top 10 in all but one race. In Thailand and the previous round in Aragon, van der Mark cut the gap to team-mate Alex Lowes significantly.
It is this progress, as well as a positive post-race test at MotorLand Aargon that have the former World Supersport champion feeling at one with his YZF-R1.
“I’m really looking forward to my home race,” van der Mark said.
“It’s always something special to ride in front of your home crowd. After the Aragon weekend, with good results and a really positive test, I’m going to Assen with lots of confidence.”
Van der Mark has used his home advantage to great effect, the Dutchman securing his maiden World Superbike podium at Assen in 2015. Last year he suffered heartbreak in race one when he crashed whilst fighting for the victory.
However, he brushed that off and delighted the crowd with a third place finish on Sunday’s outing. Van der Mark is also a winner at Assen in the Supersport class, the Dutchman taking to the top of the box on his way to the 2014 title.
Yet to make the rostrum in 2017, van der Mark hopes that the combination of Assen and his Yamaha, as well as his prowess at the circuit, will see this fact change this weekend.
“The YZF-R1 is starting to feel like really my own bike, and together with the Assen circuit it should be a good combination,” he added.
“Hopefully we can get our best results of the season and really enjoy my home race.”
Comments.
Loading comments…