The Tech3 team has another new line-up. Due to Jonas Folger's forced absence, the satellite team has decided to bring in a new rider to take his place at Sepang, in the shape of Michael van der Mark. The Dutchman will finally have his chance to get on the M1, having missed out at Aragon when Valentino Rossi made a last-minute return.
The rider is understandably very happy: “I thank Hervé Poncharal for this great opportunity – he commented – when I received the offer I definitely couldn't say no, despite my busy schedule. Luckily I know the Sepang track, though unlike the MotoGP riders I didn't carry out any winter testing there”.
The last part of the season is all go for the Dutchman. After the Malaysian round, van der Mark will fly to Losail for the final Superbike round, taking place from 3-5 November. The following week he may very well be competing at the Valencia Grand Prix, again on the Tech3 M1. He's definitely not going to be bored.