Fresh from his maiden World Superbike Championship pole position last time out in Thailand, Michael van der Mark is confident he and Honda can continue their podium-winning start to the 2016 season in Aragon.

Though he couldn't quite mount the victory challenge his impressive pole position at the Chang International Circuit set up, van der Mark has still finished no lower than fourth in any race this year in what has been the best start to the season for a Honda rider in some years.

Indeed, with the CBR1000RR seemingly improving, van der Mark feels the Ten Kate Racing-run team is well prepared for a similar podium challenging performance in Spain this year having tested extensively at Motorland Aragon over the winter.

"I'm really looking forward to getting back on track after the really good results we scored in Australia and Thailand. What we've been able to achieve so far shows that we have what it takes to fight for the podium on very different tracks.

"I have a good feeling about the Aragon round; I like the track and the bike setup is working really well, so my goal is to have the best of weekends in Spain and be on the podium again. This would put me in a good position for my home event at Assen."