Michael van der Mark says his Ten Kate Honda squad should be proud of their achievements in 2016 as the two prepare to go separate ways in World Superbikes next season.

With the Dutch squad welcoming Stefan Bradl from MotoGP to go alongside Nicky Hayden in 2017, van der Mark is switching to the factory Pata Yamaha squad which ends his six-year association with the team.

The 24-year-old has improved year-on-year with the Ten Kate Honda squad which has resulted in him finishing 2016 with fourth place in the World Superbike championship standings, above team-mate Hayden, claiming six rostrum results and one pole position this year.

van der Mark has wished the Honda team all the best for the future as he looks to turn the new CBR1000RR Fireblade into a championship-contender, while he hunts further success with Yamaha.

"Of course, I wish the season and my journey with Honda would have ended with a better result, but fourth in the championship is a great achievement and I want to thank all the guys for the hard work they have done," van der Mark said. "I think we can be really happy with what we've done this year."

van der Mark is preparing for a first campaign away from Honda since 2010 when he briefly contested six rounds of the 125cc world championship with Lambretta. The Dutch rider will team-mate Alex Lowes at Pata Yamaha next year, replacing former World Superbike champion Sylvain Guintoli.