News

2014 WorldSSP Champion Michael van der Mark is set to make the switch to PATA Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team for 2017, to partner current Yamaha rider Alex Lowes. Dutchman van der Mark, who graduated to WorldSBK only last season, recorded three podiums in his rookie year, his first pole position in Buriram this season and has become a key podium challenger with five rostrum finishes already in 2016. He currently lies fifth in the title standings, just behind the KRT and Aruba.it Racing - Ducati pairings at the top of the table. Lowes, who was 2013 British Superbike Champion, will remain with the PATA Yamaha squad alongside van der Mark.

After another victory for the YZF-R1 in the Suzuka 8H endurance race, with Lowes part of that winning team, the young line-up will be focused on developing the bike to its full potential in the different regulations in WorldSBK - with the aim squarely focused on winning both races and championships.

"I'm very much looking forward to this new challenge with Yamaha," said van der Mark. "I could see the potential of the R1 during its first World Superbike season this year and I'm convinced that with further development and the full support of Yamaha and the team I will have the right package to fight for the World Superbike title next year. It is never an easy decision to leave a team and a manufacturer after so many years and successes, I will always remain grateful for the support received and I will give my maximum for the remainder of this season to get as many podiums as possible."

"Despite some challenges in the WorldSBK comeback season for Yamaha this year, it has been a pleasure to be part of the project from the start and I cannot wait to capitalise on the work we've all done when we start the 2017 season," added Lowes. "The YZF-R1 is a magical bike to ride and we are now very close to a truly competitive level in this championship. I really feel part of the Yamaha family, the team is improving all the time and I couldn't be happier to continue together into 2017. Michael is a very fast rider, I am sure we will push each other all year, and I look forward to him joining the team."

Both will be back on track in WorldSBK at Lausitzring on the 16th September for the Pirelli German Round, with Lowes first stepping into the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 MotoGP™ squad as a replacement for injured Bradley Smith at Silverstone and Misano.