BMW new boy Michael van der Mark has spun his first laps on the BMW M1000RR he will campaign in next year’s WorldSBK series.

The Dutchman spent a day at Miramas in the south of France shaking down the brand new racebike ahead of offical tests in 2021.

“It was really good for me to have a first shakedown with the bike at Miramas,” said van der Mark.

“I think it was also really helpful to work together with the team and to get used to each other. We tried a couple of things which we normally don’t have the time for during a normal test so I think it was really positive and I was just happy to be back on the bike this year and I am really looking forward to the next test.”

“It is important to do a shakedown with a new rider, and the day at Miramas was very productive,” added BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers.

“Michael had his first opportunity to take to the track with the new BMW M 1000 RR and get to know his race bike for the upcoming WorldSBK season better. He was also able to provide us with initial feedback on where we can customise his bike to suit him better.

“For example, in terms of ergonomics, the seating position, the position of the handlebar and the footrests, through to preferences when it comes to electronics. With the information that we gathered during this shakedown, we know the direction we need to go in with Michael’s bike to be well prepared for the first proper tests in 2021.”