Van der Mark: "For sure it will be an amazing bike to ride"

Dutchman gears up to replace Valentino Rossi at Aragon

Ahead of the Gran Premio Movistar de Aragon, motogp.com caught up with Michael van der Mark as he prepares to make his debut at Movistar Yamaha replacing Valentino Rossi, who is sidelined through injury. No mean feat - but the three-time Suzuka 8H winner and 2014 WorldSSP Champion says he's understandably excited about the opportunity.

You’re set to make your MotoGP™ debut, congratulations! How do you feel?

“I’m so happy, it’s really exciting and amazing to have the chance to ride Valentino’s bike, but it’s going to be a really difficult week. I have had no testing at all on this bike, it’s going to be a really tough weekend but I’m really happy and am really looking forward to the chance they have given me.”

How did you find out about the ride?

“When I saw what happened with Valentino, I knew there were going to be some races ahead that he will need a replacement, so my manager spoke with Lin Jarvis to see what the situation was. Immediately they said they will need a replacement for Aragon, and they had a couple of options but in the end they chose me.”

The two Yamahas have some differences, so what are your expectations of the M1?

“It’s really difficult to say, it’s a completely different bike but I’m really happy to be riding one of the best MotoGP™ bikes in the world. I don’t know what to expect, all parts of the bike are a little different; such as the carbon fibre brakes and the tyres. Honestly I don’t know what to expect, but for sure it will be an amazing bike to ride.”

Head to worldsbk.com as he speaks more about his knowledge of MotorLand being a plus, his teammate's experience with the M1, and what it means to replace Valentino...