Michael van der Mark’s return to fitness took another step earlier in the week with a private BMW test at Portimao ahead of Estoril WorldSBK.

Having returned to his BMW Motorrad team in front of his home fans at Assen last time out, managing the demands of the rollercoaster was a positive sign in the Dutchman’s recovery after van der Mark suffered a broken leg during preseason training.

Having finished inside the points on all three of his comeback races, with a highest placing of eighth, van der Mark is hoping Estoril bears more fruit as his strength continues to improve ahead of round three’s battles.

“It was nice to have an extra test and also for me it was good to ride the bike to see my condition on the bike,” Van der Mark admitted on his on going recovery. "It improved so much compared to Assen so it gave me a lot of confidence.

“I really like the Estoril track. It’s a track where the differences are very small so I am happy that I am a lot fitter and a lot better on the bike now. Last year, we did quite well there but the bike has changed a lot since then and I am curious to see how it will work there. For me it is good that I can finally ride more normal.”