While preparing for his first season in the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, new addition Michael van der Mark (NED) got to know his future machine. He completed his first laps on the new BMW M 1000 RR at Miramas (FRA) on Saturday. The shakedown also helped BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team get more familiar with van der Mark’s personal preferences.

The Dutch rider joins the official BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team next year after spending four seasons with Yamaha. During that time, he secured four victories and 24 further podiums. Prior to his Yamaha stint, Van der Mark spent two years with Honda.

Marc Bongers – BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director

“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.”

Michael Van Der Mark (NED)

“It was really good for me to have a first shakedown with the bike at Miramas,” said van der Mark. “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.”