Dutchman Michael van der Mark has this morning been confirmed with the BMW WorldSBK squad for 2021.
Having confirmed his departure from Yamaha at the end of the 2020, van der Mark’s future is secure for next season but it is not clear whom he will partner.
The Dutchman has previously raced for Honda and Yamaha and now looks to bring his versatility to the German manufacturer, who returned to the Championship as a factory effort in 2019.
“We are delighted to welcome Michael to the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team. He brings a wealth of experience and is one of the youngest, most talented riders on the WorldSBK grid. Securing Michael’s services emphasis the focus and determination we have to compete for top honours, and we will give Michael every chance to reach that goal,” said team boss Shaun Muir.
Muir now has to decide between incumbents Tom Sykes and Eugene Laverty, or make a sweep of it and bring in another new face.
Laverty is probably a better bet for the team as he is a useful development rider and has a style closer to van der Mark’s than Sykes, who rides in way that is different to almost everyone.
The team has wheeled in Ian ‘Chunky’ Lord as Sykes’ crew chief after the recent departure of Pete Jennings.
Due to contractural obligations, van der Mark is unable to talk about his new job.
