Michael van der Mark has admitted that he has been searching for rides outside of World Superbikes for 2026.
It now appears more and more likely that Michael van der Mark will not remain with the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team in 2026.
The 2025 World Superbike season has been a disappointing year for the Dutch rider as he sits 15th in the Championship standings.
However, at the Suzuka 8 Hours, he was able to show his speed once again to the German manufacturer. But despite his impressive showing, no further contract negotiations have taken place.
"I know my results this season haven't been outstanding," said van der Mark in his column on racesport.nl.
"That does hurt, because I know what I'm capable of. But in Suzuka, I showed that I haven't lost my speed. BMW Motorrad recognised that.
"Of course, I'm asking myself: What now? What will next year bring me? There's no offer from BMW for next season yet. But I'm not ruling anything out."
With no offer on the table to remain in World Superbikes with BMW for 2026, the 32-year-old has been exploring his options outside of the series.
"I'm looking beyond the Superbike World Championship," the Dutchman confirmed.
"The standard may be high, but the championship itself, there's only one race weekend outside of Europe, in Australia.
"They're also changing the rules that nobody understands, and they're changing things that don't work at all, that doesn't exactly help either.
"My hunger for racing is still there, and as long as I feel I can do it, I'll keep racing. We're sure to find a good place somewhere. We're working hard on it."
