Michael van der Mark admits he timed his tyre change to perfection in today’s World Superbike race at Magny-Cours.

The flying Dutchman finished second at the French track, some nine seconds behind winner Chaz Davies, after he chose the perfect time to switch to slicks.

The Honda World Superbike Team rider had been running in fifth positon when he headed to the pits for new rubber, and it paid dividends towards the end of the race when he was able to slice his way through the field to take second place.

“It was difficult to decide what tyres we should take, I stayed with the rain tyres as the track was still wet,” he explained. “ I made a good start and I was near the front with some nice moves and after a couple of laps I just couldn’t make any speed with the rear tyre, too much spinning.

“It was really frustrating then after a lap I decide to come and change to slicks and I think it was the right choice at the right time. The track was improving lap by lap and we went faster. It’s an important podium for the championship and especially after a race like this, it makes me really happy.

“It’s difficult to pass riders who are on rain tyres on a drying track, I struggled a lot to keep the line and I needed to pass them as fast as possible so that’s why I went around the outside, it’s not the safest way but I just I wanted that podium so bad.”