Q&A with Michael van der Mark
WorldSBK.com caught up with Dutch rider Michael van der Mark, who is getting ready to face his second season in the Supersport World Championship, once again with Team Pata Honda. The 21 year old from Gouda, a city located halfway between Rotterdam and Utrecht, has had a remarkable rookie year in the series and he is looking forward to further improve his results in 2014.
Fourth place in the standings in your rookie WSS year was not a bad result. What do you think of your 2013?
"For sure 2013 was much better than expected. We started really well with two podiums but we knew it would be more difficult during the season. But after all we are really happy with how 2013 went."
It was not an easy season as you had to face injuries, that affected your performance in a lot of rounds. What's your fitness condition now?
"My fitness condition is much better now. After the Italian Round at Monza it took a long time before I could do some running again, due to my broken foot. In Magny-Cours I also had a small fracture in my thumb. I managed recover pretty well, though, and I'm ready for next season."
How was last week's test? What did you work on mostly? What's still to be improved?
"The test went really well. In Aragon we found good improvements which also worked really good in Jerez. We still need to work a bit more on the rear grip."
How good is to stay in the same team with the same team-mate? How well do you get along with Lorenzo?
"It's really good to stay in the same team, because after one learning year we will be one step ahead in each race weekend. I'm really happy with Lorenzo, we are good friends and he built speed upon speed during the season, which is really good for both of us."
What's your target for next year? Are you going to take the challenge to Sofuoglu?
"For the coming year we want to fight for the win in each race and also be title contenders. For sure Kenan will be our main rival but if you continue to improve we can bridge the gap."
How are you going to spend the testing ban period?
"I'll be working on my fitness in order to be 100% ready right from the start. I also work sometimes as truck driver in my father's company."
