VIDEO of the weekend: Van der Mark and Rea, 0.018s, sensational!
The Dutchman finally defeated the Kawasaki legend on home turf after an epic Race 2 brawl
There was a moment in Sunday’s Race 2 when it seemed fairly likely that Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK Team) would not even make it onto the podium at the TT Circuit Assen. The Yamaha rider fell as far as sixth position with 12 laps to go, finding himself embroiled in a vicious battle between Chaz Davies (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) and Leon Haslam (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK).
But if there is one place on Earth where van der Mark is able to muster up a bit of magic, it’s the cathedral of motorcycle racing. Leaving behind both the dueling pair and his own teammate, the Assen hero sped out in pursuit of Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK), a comfortable second. The pair fought fiercely last year in both races; both ended with the Kawasaki gaining the upper hand.
Van der Mark wasn’t ready to settle for third this year. He cut back a two-second deficit, got himself in touching distance of the ZX-10RR, and set up a slingshot pass around the outside of Rea with 3 laps to go. But the home hero’s bravery would not go unanswered…
Click above to watch the epic final moments to Race 2 and enjoy all the action from the Motul Dutch Round thanks to WorldSBK VideoPass.
