Double Superstock effort for Ten Kate Junior in 2011
This year Van der Mark made his debut for the Junior Ten Kate Team in the Superstock 600 European Championship during the last race at Magny-Cours. The Dutchmen scored a blistering seventh place, missing out the podium by three seconds, although he had nearly no four-stroke experience. After two titles in the Open Dutch Championships 125cc (2008/2009) Van der Mark went to the 125cc World Championship.
"I'm really glad that I will ride next season for the Ten Kate Junior Team," said the 18 year-old Dutchman. "Last season was one with many ups and downs. Luckily I got the chance from Ferry Schoenmakers at Magny-Cours to race for him during the final event of the Superstock 600 European Championship. It went very well and it was a great experience. Yet I´m careful with predictions, because I want to see first who else will ride next year in the Superstock 600. During the winter season I will train as much as possible to be ready for the new season!"
Luca Verdini scored his first major successes also in the 125cc, taking the Italian title. After this success Verdini stepped over to the Stock classes and notched some good results. In 2010 he ended second in the strong Italian Superstock 1000 championship on a Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade. The resident of Pesaro has had already a couple of wildcard entries in the FIM Cup Superstock 1000.
Luca Verdini (25 years): "I am very proud to ride next season for Ten Kate Junior. It is a great opportunity for me to show my skills. Ten Kate is without any doubt the most important and largest team in the paddock. It feels great to be part of this squad. Next season I want to end in the top-three of the championship and take as many podium places as possible. I'll give everything to make this happen."
Ferry Schoenmakers (team manager): "With Michael van der Mark and Luca Verdini we have two drivers who can drive along the top. I'm very pleased that we have signed already our riders, because on this way we can prepare ourselves perfectly for the new season. It is also good that we have for the first time a Dutch driver in our team. Hopefully this gives a positive boost to the national road race. Before the opening race, we will schedule some tests. Where and when will be announced later. I'm looking really forward to the new season."
