World Superbike rider Michael van der Mark will return to MotoGP action with Tech3 Yamaha in next weekend’s season final in Valencia as Jonas Folger is still unfit to ride.
Dutchman van der Mark was called up to replace the ill Folger – who has been struck down by Epstein Barr Virus and has been absent since Motegi – for the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Van der Mark qualified 22nd for his MotoGP debut and battled through the rain conditions in the race to just miss out on a maiden points finish in 16th spot.
The 2014 World Supersport champion was expected to continue in place of Folger for the final round in Spain, and is looking forward to getting another opportunity to ride the M1 now that he has some experience of it.
“It’s a shame that Jonas is ill, but I’m very honoured that Herve (Poncehral, team boss) asked me again to replace him and, apparently, I impressed enough in Sepang,” van der Mark told Dutch outlet Racesport.
“I’m looking forward to the Valencia weekend.
“Now at least I know the bike a bit, and for me the most important thing is that we’ll have normal weather conditions in Valencia, so that I can improve myself every session.
“I just hope that I can achieve a good result and that the team will be pleased again.”
Van der Mark had been scheduled to make his MotoGP debut at Aragon in September as Valentino Rossi’s replacement at the factory Yamaha team.
But the Italian’s sensational comeback from a double break to his right leg put paid to that.
The Dutchman concluded his maiden WorldSBK campaign with the Pata Yamaha team on Saturday in Qatar, achieving fourth in race two and securing sixth in the championship with 223 points.
