Yamaha WSBK riders to take on Laguna Seca this weekend

Michelle Liew

July 12, 2019

After an impressive run in Donington, the Yamaha WSBK teams will be heading to Laguna Seca with great expectations.

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

Round 9 of the FIM Superbike World Championship will be taking place at the iconic Laguna Seca circuit in California this weekend. Pata Yamaha WorldSBK duo Alex Lowes and Michael van der Mark has high hopes on a triumphant race to add to their points and podium tallies. GRT Yamaha Supported WorldSBK riders Marco Melandri and Sandro Cortese will be aiming for the same.

Ales Lowes (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK)- What to Expect?

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“Laguna Seca is an iconic circuit and one that is quite tight and technical but a lot of fun to ride. It has lots of changes of elevation, with the biggest coming as you drop down the infamous Corkscrew, which Is always a buzz when you get it right! The goal is to fight for the podium once again this weekend, to go into the summer break on a high note,” says Lowes as quoted from Yamaha Racing.

Michael van der Mark (Pata Yamaha WorldSBK)- What to Expect?

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“it’s great to be back in the USA, especially when we got to race at such a fantastic circuit as Laguna Seca. My wrist has improved a lot even in the week since Donington and, while it’s still not back to full fitness, I’m looking forward to racing again this weekend. In Race 2 at Donington, I felt that I could have fought for a top five finish if I’d had the grip, so that’s the goal here at Laguna Seca.”

Marco Melandri (GRT Yamaha Supported WorldSBK)- What to Expect?

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“Laguna is one of the most beautiful tracks in the world and something different to the other tracks we race at during the season. I’ve had a lot of fun here and some nice races in the past, both in MotoGP and WorldSBK, so it’s; good to return here. I think the track could well suit our R1, even if I am a bit worried about the bumps, but we will see tomorrow. I think it won’t be an easy weekend, but we will do our best as always.”

Sandro Cortese (GRT Yamaha Supported WorldSBK)- What to Expect?

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“This will be the first time ever I’ve had the chance to race at Laguna Seca, and I’m quite excited about it. I got my first look at the track yesterday and it’s impressive. The television really doesn’t do it justice; when you actually stand at the top of the corkscrew and look down it’s very special. The first day tomorrow will be a learning day to understand the track and then I will just try to enjoy the whole weekend.”