Michael van der Mark has jokingly suggested that he closed his eyes when seizing third place from Leon Haslam on the last lap of Assen’s second race.

The Pata Honda World Superbike rider overhauled the Aprilia of Haslam at the Geert Timmer Chicane, picking up a second consecutive rostrum finish. Earlier in the day, he had become the first ever Dutchman to finish on the podium in the World Superbike category which dates back to 1988.

“Leon and I had a nice fight and we were both strong in different points,” van der Mark explained after the podium ceremony. “I knew I had to overtake him as soon as possible. At the Ramshoek corner, I wasn’t really sure but I made it.

“Then, into the last chicane, he came around the outside. We both braked really late and both had to sit up. I’m really happy with two podiums, which is better than I could have expected this weekend. The bike was working really, really well.”

Van der Mark’s impressive home performance leaves him on 60 World Championship points - just five in arrears of reigning World Champion team-mate Sylvain Guintoli.