P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Michael van der Mark has indicated he’d be open to opportunities to return to the WorldSBK grid after his full-time retirement.
Michael van der Mark will be ending his full-time WorldSBK career after 11 seasons in the top category, with his last race scheduled for this weekend’s Spanish WorldSBK.
Van der Mark, the 2014 Supersport World Champion, expressed that his time in the World Championship has been enjoyable, leaving the possibility open for a return to the grid in the future.
Although not confirming any specific plans, van der Mark hinted at the potential for sporadic comebacks to World Superbike if the opportunity arises.
Reports suggest that van der Mark will transition into BMW’s test team in 2026, becoming the sole test rider for the manufacturer in World Superbike and competing in the Endurance World Championship as well.
