WSBK: Lowes and van der Mark to launch title fight with Pata Yamaha in 2019

Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes will remain with the Pata Yamaha World Superbike team in 2019, ending speculation about potential moves away from the team. The outfit, run by Paul Denning of Crescent Racing, took their first wins with Yamaha machinery this year, with Dutchman Michael van der Mark taking a sensational double victory at Donington Park, whilst Alex Lowes won the second race at Brno.

For 25-year-old Dutchman van der Mark, the objective for 2019 is simple: to be fighting for the championship. Having taken nine podiums for Yamaha and won the Suzuka 8 Hour event for the manufacturer in 2017, the ex World Supersport champion is looking to secure a top three placing in the 2018 WSBK series.

“I am really happy to have signed for a third season with Yamaha. I trust in this project, Yamaha believes in me as a rider and this makes for a strong combination. While we’re still working to improve, it is clear that we have made significant progress, to the point where we’re now winning races and fighting at the front every weekend,” said a jubilant van der Mark, who was rumoured to be heading to Kawasaki in 2019.

“I am looking forward to continuing this trend and making the next step forward as we work towards our main goal of fighting for the World Championship title together.”

2013 British Superbike champion, Alex Lowes, is looking to add to his tally of wins and podiums with another year at Yamaha. With one win and six podiums, Lowes has grown in stature under the wing of Crescent Racing, a team of which he first joined back in 2014, when they fielded Suzuki equipment.

“I am really happy to continue as a part of Yamaha’s World Superbike project, having been involved since they returned to the series in 2016. Since then we’ve been through a lot together; some ups, some downs, but we’re definitely on an upward trajectory now. It was great to get my first race win this season but, of course, this success just means we expect more every weekend,” said the Lincolnshire ace, a double winner of the Suzuka 8 Hour with the manufacturer.

“I believe so much in this project, my ambition has always been to see it through to a World Championship title and I don’t think that’s unrealistic given the progress we’ve made. I have never enjoyed racing as much as I do with this team and I will continue to give it my all to get to where Yamaha needs to be.”