Donington Park will be a special weekend for the Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team for many reasons, and with it being a home circuit for both the team and Alex Lowes, there will be a lot to fight for in Leicestershire for both Lowes and Michael van der Mark. The Pata UK Round could bring all kinds of surprises, whilst always riding in the memory of Nicky Hayden.

Lowes, who secured his maiden podium in the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship back in 2014 at Donington Park, is looking forward to having his fans out in full force over the weekend. Yet to secure a podium finish in 2017, the 26 year old will be putting on a hard fight to battle up front around the 4.023km circuit.

“I can't wait for the Donington Park weekend!” begins Lowes. “I live ten miles from the track so it's a real home race for me. Even if it wasn't, it's a great circuit that I really enjoy. The section from Redgate to Coppice, for me, it is one of the best sections of track in the whole world. I'm optimistic of challenging for a podium. I think the circuit will suit the R1, unfortunately, I missed the event last year due to injury so I'm hoping to make up for it this year. It's always amazing to race in front of the British fans and public and it's something I really miss from my BSB days. Thanks to everyone for the support, I can't wait to get started, and I’ll see you there!”

Dutch team-mate Michael van der Mark heads to the UK hoping to make up for a tough round last time out in Italy. With the varied Donington Park circuit more suited to his YZF-R1 machine, the 24 year old is confident he can bring the fight in front of his team’s home fans Despite his best result around the circuit a top eight, van der Mark is looking to turn this around in 2017.

“Imola was a difficult weekend for the team and me,” explains van der Mark. “But we just have to move on and I am very much looking forward to Donington. It’s a completely different track to Imola and I think the R1 will work well there, as the track suits our bike. It’s a nice race for me, I love the British fans plus it’s the team’s and my teammates home round! This always makes it more exciting, and we know how supportive the fans will be. We have been making good progress all season, but Imola was difficult, so we need to regain focus and we will be ready to fight at Donington.”

Keep up with all the action from the UK Pata Round with the WorldSBK VideoPass, and see if the Yamaha team-mates can bring the fight and bask in some home glory at Donington Park.