Lowes and Van der Mark ready for Round 8
Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team riders looking forward to Laguna Seca visit
After a strong showing at Misano last time out Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team colleagues Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark head to Laguna Seca for the GEICO US Round feeling positive.
Having demonstrated improved pace in Italy at Round 7 the Englishman and the Dutchman both aim to build on the progress they are making.
Going into the eighth race weekend of 2017, having achieved a second podium of the season in second position in race one at Misano, Lowes is in great form. He is currently fifth in the championship standings with 141 points.
Lowes looked ahead to Round 8 saying: "Laguna is a great track and it comes after a couple of good weekends and two podiums, so I really want to keep the positive run going. It's a track that suits the R1 and one I really enjoy. I can't wait to get started working hard with the guys from Friday, focusing on the race. It is always great to race in America and I can't wait to get there and kick-off the second half of the season. I feel extremely motivated and I know there are improvements to come from both myself and my R1, so I look forward to getting back on track in California."
His teammate van der Mark hopes to go one better than his fourth-place finish in race two at Misano, after he was denied the chance to fight for victory in race one due to a crash having led for much of the contest. He heads to Laguna Seca feeling confident in his R1 and his ability to fight for a top finish once more, sitting sixth in the championship standings with 115 points, 26 behind his teammate Lowes.
Van der Mark previewed the weekend’s racing in California commenting: ”I think we can say we had a very strong weekend in Misano. Despite the problems we had, it was a really good event for us and it's clear to see that we are making good progress with the R1. So, we are going to Laguna with a lot of confidence and with a good base setting in the bike. Laguna Seca is a completely different track compared to any other, so we are curious to see how the bike will work here. I have a good feeling with the bike, my confidence is high, and I feel we are capable of being in the top five again!"
