Pata Yamaha WorldSBK star Michael van der Mark will get to make his MotoGP debut at Sepang as he gets the call to replace Jonas Folger in the Tech3 team.
The Dutchman had been scheduled to stand-in for Valentino Rossi at Aragon but The Doctor’s heroics put paid to that and his Superbike commitments at Jerez ruled him out of Phillip Island but he is now confirmed for Malaysia.
"It goes without saying that I am really excited. I came quite close to getting the opportunity to ride a MotoGP bike a few weeks ago, but it didn’t work out. Then Hervé called, and although I will have a busy schedule, I could not say no to this chance,” said van der Mark.
“I am very happy and I look forward to this adventure. Luckily, I know Sepang, but the MotoGP riders have done a lot of tests there this year, so everyone will be fast. However, I just want to enjoy this weekend, to improve myself and see how it is to ride the YZR-M1. At the moment we have some good momentum in World Superbikes so I think it is the perfect time to jump on the Yamaha. I look forward to riding the bike and I want to thank Hervé and Yamaha for this opportunity."
