Difficult weekend for Ten Kate Junior riders in Misano

14-06-2011

Luca Verdini (STK1000): “It was a hard race. In the first lap I gave all I have to stay in the near of the leaders. But it was not enough. It's weird because last year I rode faster at this track under nearly the same weather conditions. On the other hand, we still make progress and that is very important. We must stay calm and work as hard as possible. Fortunately, Aragon is already next week. Hopefully we can turn the tide in Spain!”

Rain ruined the Saturday in Misano. Sunshine started the morning but dark clouds quickly moved toward the racetrack. Just before the Superpole, it started to rain. Michael van der Mark began the Superstock 600 race cautiously on the incredibly slippery track. The best choice, with many crashes during the opening laps. But unfortunality, Van der Mark lost the control of his Honda CBR600RR twice and didn’t score during a remarkable Superstock 600 race.

Michael van der Mark (STK600): “After a good start, I was highsided and took a heavy fall. Luckily I could pick up to bike really fast en rejoined my race. But during the second lap, I crashed out again. Once more, I was able to continue, there was almost no damage to the Honda CBR600RR, but I was stopped by the marshals. Too bad because it was still possible to score valuable points for the championship. When I returned to the team, I had pain in my elbow but X-rays showed luckily no fracture. Now I focus on my Moto2-test at Assen and of course at Aragon, the next race. This new circuit suits me well so I’m looking forward to the Spanish round!”

Picture: Pers Racing