The season did not start in the best way for Michael van der Mark, who was forced to miss several rounds due to a leg injury sustained during training before the start of the season. However, the trust placed in him by the BMW team is not called into question, quite the contrary. The two sides have reached an agreement and have confirmed that the Dutch rider will be riding the M1000RR again next season.
2021 had ended with the flash of victory in the Superpole Race in Portimao, the last one to be signed by Van der Mark. However, 2022 is not going the right way and there is still no return date, even if this is scheduled for the return from the summer break. The Dutchman raced in Assen, only to have to stop again to recover fully and be able to get back on the saddle in full strength. In the meantime, however, Michael van der Mark and BMW renew their mutual trust and confirm that they are also together for 2023.
Michael van der Mark, BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
“I am very happy in the BMW family and I am happy with the extension of our cooperation,” says van der Mark. “Unfortunately, the current season so far hasn’t gone as I imagined, but I can’t change that. It is now important to fully recover. Personally, I want to get back on my BMW M1000RR as soon as possible. I miss everything, the team, the bike, the races. But what matters most is what the doctors say and I am following their recommendations. We will see when I can return to compete. At Assen I saw how much potential the bike has this year and the project has made further progress since then. We have seen this in the last few races and they have been confirmed by Scott’s podium at Donington. I can’t wait to get back into action, I’m sure we will have a successful future together ”.
Marc Bongers, Director of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, expresses his satisfaction: “We are very happy that Michael remains with us. In his first season, in 2021, he adapted very well to the BMW M1000RR and confirmed this with the victory in Portimao. His contribution to the development of the M RR in its first season was extremely important throughout the project. Unfortunately, Michael is forced to fight with an injury since this winter. However, we are confident that when he is recovered and can race again, he will return to his former strength on the M1000RR. Even during his recovery period, Michael remained involved in the BMW family. It’s great that he remains an integral part of the family in the future as well. It was important for us to complete the extension of the contract before the summer break also to show the trust we place in him. This allows him to fully focus on recovering him. We can’t wait to see him return for a strong 2023 season together ”.
#SBK #Van #der #Mark #BMW #renew #confidence