MotoGP 2017: Michael van der Mark To Replace Jonas Folger At Sepang

Yamaha has announced that WorldSBK rider Michael van der Mark will be standing in for Jonas Folger at Tech 3 Yamaha for the next MotoGP round at Sepang, Malaysia. With Folger ill due to a suspected case of mononucleosis, Van der Mark has been presented with this opportunity as he will be making his MotoGP debut. Incidentally, this is the second time the young rider has been presented with this opportunity this year. Michael was previously chosen to replace Valentino Rossi at Aragon, following the latter leg fracture. However, the MotoGP legend made miraculous comeback at the last minute while still recovering from the fracture.

Also Read: Yamaha Announces Van der Mark As Rossi's Replacement At Aragon

Jonas Folger ill health has resulted in him missing three races this season at Motegi, Phillip Island and now at Sepang. While Kohta Nozane and Broc Parkes replaced Folger for Motegi and Phillip Island respectively, it will now be the Dutch rider filling in for the German. Van der Mark will be riding alongside Johann Zarco at Tech 3 this weekend.

Speaking about finally making his MotoGP debut, Michael van der Mark said, "It goes without saying that I am really excited. I came quite close to getting the opportunity to ride a MotoGP bike a few weeks ago, but it didn't work out. Then Herve [Poncharal, Tech 3 chief] called, and although I will have a busy schedule, I could not say no to this chance."

(Michael van der Mark currently stands sixth in WorldSBK)

"I am very happy and I look forward to this adventure. Luckily, I know Sepang, but the MotoGP riders have done a lot of tests there this year, so everyone will be fast. However, I just want to enjoy this weekend, to improve myself and see how it is to ride the YZR-M1. At the moment we have some good momentum in World Superbikes so I think it is the perfect time to jump on the Yamaha."

"I look forward to riding the bike and I want to thank Herve and Yamaha for this opportunity."

Van der Mark was unavailable for Phillip Island last weekend, as he had been racing at Jerez instead. The 24-year-old currently stands sixth in the WSBK championship this season with Yamaha, with three races to go. The Dutch rider will be joining former WSBK rider Karel Abraham of Aspar Ducati at the grid this weekend, in a bid to make an inspiring debut.