Image: Russell Colvin.

Current Pata Yamaha Official WorldSBK duo Michael van der Mark and Alex Lowes have re-signed with the factory outfit for the 2019 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).

Next season will be van der Mark’s third in Yamaha colours – the former European Superstock and FIM World Supersport champion secured two podium finishes during his debut season aboard the Yamaha YZF-R1 in 2017, an achievement he has already surpassed in 2018.

“I am really happy to have signed for a third season with Yamaha,” said the Dutchman. “I trust in this project, Yamaha believes in me as a rider and this makes for a strong combination. While we’re still working to improve, it is clear that we have made significant progress, to the point where we’re now winning races and fighting at the front every weekend.

“I am looking forward to continuing this trend and making the next step forward as we work towards our main goal of fighting for the world championship title together.”

For Lowes the 2019 season will be his fourth with Yamaha’s official WorldSBK team, of which he’s been an integral part since Yamaha made their official return to the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2016.

“I am really happy to continue as a part of Yamaha’s World Superbike project, having been involved since they returned to the series in 2016,” Lowes commented. “Since then we’ve been through a lot together – some ups, some downs, but we’re definitely on an upward trajectory now. It was great to get my first race win this season but, of course, this success just means we expect more every weekend.

“I believe so much in this project, my ambition has always been to see it through to a World Championship title and I don’t think that’s unrealistic given the progress we’ve made. I have never enjoyed racing as much as I do with this team and I will continue to give it my all to get to where Yamaha needs to be.”

Van der Mark and Lowes currently sit in third and fifth positions respectively in the standings as the series heads to Portimao in Portugal on 14-16 September.