Former Pata Yamaha WorldSBK rider Mark van der Mark made the switch to BMW for 2021 and has now tested his brand new machine for the first time
After testing with his new team for the first time the day after the 2020 season finished, Michael van der Mark (BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was able to test his new bike for the first time after completing a shakedown at the French Miramas circuit on Saturday, giving him the chance to work with his new team while the team were able to learn more about the Dutchman’s preferences while on the bike.
Van der Mark’s first test with the team came on a modified S 1000 RR used throughout the 2020 season at Estoril but he has now been able to sample the M 1000 RR for the first time at the French circuit, meaning van der Mark was able to give his initial feedback to the team after he completed his shakedown laps.
The Dutchman said: “It was really good for me to have a first shakedown with the bike at Miramas. I think it was also really helpful to work together with the team and to get used to each other. We tried a couple of things which we normally don’t have the time for during a normal test so I think it was really positive and I was just happy to be back on the bike this year and I am really looking forward to the next test.”
Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Director, added: “It is important to do a shakedown with a new rider, and the day at Miramas was very productive. Michael had his first opportunity to take to the track with the new BMW M 1000 RR and get to know his race bike for the upcoming WorldSBK season better. He was also able to provide us with initial feedback on where we can customise his bike to suit him better. For example, in terms of ergonomics, the seating position, the position of the handlebar and the footrests, through to preferences when it comes to electronics. With the information that we gathered during this shakedown, we know the direction we need to go in with Michael’s bike to be well prepared for the first proper tests in 2021.”
