SBK, Redding or Van Der Mark: who will flank Razgatlioglu?

The BMW camp definitely needs to focus on the present, also considering the less than dazzling results scored to date, but it also (and above all?) needs to look to the future. Confirmation of Razgatlioglu’s arrival has set off the classic domino effect and means that BMW now has to redesign its factory line-up.

Thanks to Toprak – and unless an unlikely three-bike scenario is on the cards – only one factory seat remains, one that current Yamaha riders Michael Van Der Mark and Scott Redding will challenge for. And here lies the first problem, in that both have a contract that includes an option for 2024.

Redding in better shape, but worried

As for Redding, the Brit will soon need to decide as to his future, given that he can exercise his option – part of a base four-year contract – until mid-July. This means he has another two rounds at most before he needs to take a decision. “I want to fight to win”, commented Redding after Barcelona, “and I’ve seen no signs in this sense from last year until now, so I need to evaluate what’s best”.

An anxious Redding on the one hand, and a Van Der Mark who is out due to injury on the other, a situation that has conditioned the last eighteen months in the Dutchman’s case.  Michael also has an option for next year, and this rules out relegation to team Bonovo. But Michael’s ‘share price’ is not as low as it might seem, considering both his ability as a development rider and the more “corporate” attitude he has shown during his time with BMW.

BMW’s current requirement is another factor to consider, in that, with Razgatlioglu already on board, they now seek a second rider rather than a first. A detail that could swing the balance in Van Der Mark’s favour. So just who will join new recruit Toprak? All will be revealed in the coming weeks.