WSB: Michael van der Mark to leave Yamaha at the end of 2020

Yamaha have revealed that Michael van der Mark will leave the team at the end of the 2020 World Superbike season. 

Van der Mark has been with the factory squad since 2017 but is now seeking a new challenge in 2021. The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to BMW in recent weeks, however nothing official has been announced.

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It’s also unclear who will be replacing Van der Mark in the factory Yamaha team, but Ten Kate Yamaha’s Loris Baz may be an early contender if his results continue as they are. 

During Van der Mark’s time with Yamaha, the 2014 World Supersport champion has won three races, including the manufacturer’s first since returning to the series in 2016, and tasted victory at the Suzuka 8 Hour on two occasions. 

Van der Mark’s first victories with the team came at Donington Park in 2018, as he secured an impressive double. In only his second season, Van der Mark ended the year third overall. He’d have to wait until Jerez the following year for his third and, as it currently stands, last victory with the team. 

So far, Van der Mark has secured 20 podiums with Yamaha and began the 2020 campaign with a fifth and two fourth positions at Phillip Island. 

Today’s Yamaha statement concluded by saying: 

“Both Yamaha and Van der Mark head into the rescheduled 2020 season determined to end their successful four-year collaboration on a high note, by battling for race wins and, ultimately, challenging for the World Championship title.”

The 2020 WSB season restarts on the weekend of July 31 – August 2 at Jerez.