Photo: motogp.com
This weekend, at Assen, we might see reigning World Supersport champion Michael van der Mark making his debut in the premier class, at least this is what the Dutch media reports. Apparently, the whole deal is already secured, with only minor details remaining to be discussed prior to inking the papers.
Van der Mark is said to be filling in for AB Cardion's rider Karel Abraham, who was injured rather severely in Free Practice 4 at Barcelona. Abraham suffered foot injuries and a severely dislocated toe, and will miss out at least one round.
As AB Cardion informed the IRTA that they would be looking out for a substitute rider for the Assen weekend, WSBK team Pata Honda have asked the MotoGP outfit whether they would have Michael van der Mark aboard the production, open class Honda.
Even though no official confirmation arrived at the time of writing from AB Cardion, Honda or Michael van der Mark, this thing is expected very soon.
In WSBK, Michael van der Mark is currently in the 8th position and has been constantly battling with the best riders, including his teammate and reigning champion, Sylvain Guintoli. Honda even asked him to join the ranks of the Suzuka 8 Hours race and be a teammate for Casey Stoner.
Van der Mark knows the Assen TT circuit very well, but it's the MotoGP machine that represents a mystery. Even more, the time he can spend being "briefly briefed" about the MotoGP Open Honda is limited. In case he will be in the saddle at Assen, we will most likely be able to get the real measure of his talent.
And maybe we get to see him get a new job as a MotoGP rider next year, who knows...
As AB Cardion informed the IRTA that they would be looking out for a substitute rider for the Assen weekend, WSBK team Pata Honda have asked the MotoGP outfit whether they would have Michael van der Mark aboard the production, open class Honda.
Even though no official confirmation arrived at the time of writing from AB Cardion, Honda or Michael van der Mark, this thing is expected very soon.
A new step in Michael van der Mark's career
If van der Mark makes it into MotoGP, even as a substitute rider for the Assen weekend, we're looking at a whole new dimension to the 22-year-old's racing career. After becoming a Superstock 600 in the second full year in the category and subsequently winning the World Supersport title, he stepped up into the World Superbike.In WSBK, Michael van der Mark is currently in the 8th position and has been constantly battling with the best riders, including his teammate and reigning champion, Sylvain Guintoli. Honda even asked him to join the ranks of the Suzuka 8 Hours race and be a teammate for Casey Stoner.
Van der Mark knows the Assen TT circuit very well, but it's the MotoGP machine that represents a mystery. Even more, the time he can spend being "briefly briefed" about the MotoGP Open Honda is limited. In case he will be in the saddle at Assen, we will most likely be able to get the real measure of his talent.
And maybe we get to see him get a new job as a MotoGP rider next year, who knows...
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