Instructive weekend for Van der Mark and Ten Kate Racing Products

28-06-2011

A major oil spill forced the cancellation of the afternoon's second practice session. The most undesirable situation for Moto2 debutant Van der Mark because he missed important track time. However, the EAB Racing rider qualified in 33rd position despite some set-up problems.

The Moto2 race day was also marked by difficult weather conditions. Therefore, Van der Mark took no risk and was very cautiously during the first laps. Halfway into the race, the circuit dried up slowly and from that moment, Van der Mark was more confidenced on the bike and finished the race in 22nd position. An impressive achievement, especially given the short preparation of Van der Mark and Ten Kate Racing Products.

Michael van der Mark (Moto2): “After a good start, I approached the first laps very carefully but from mid-race I was able to improve lap by lap and achieve good consistency. During the last laps, I had an intense battle with some other riders. Luckily I won this great fight and ended the race in 22nd position. The Ten Kate Racing Products team and EAB Racing did a very good job so thanks again to them. I would like to thank also all my sponsors for supporting me in this Moto2 venture. It was a very special and a very instructive weekend!”

Ferry Schoenmakers (team manager EAB Racing): “Thursday and Friday were two difficult days. Due to the cancelation of the second session, we missed very valuable track time. Even though it rained… On Friday we weren't happy with the bike the set-up so we made some changes for the race. A very good decision because Van der Mark rode a strong race, especially during the second part. I'm happy with the result while we had some problems beginning on the weekend and because of the short preparation. Many thanks to everyone who helped us!”

Picture: Ad van de Graaf