BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team approach the next round of the Superbike World Championship with confidence (World SBK) at Donington Park (Great Britain), where the team hopes to be able to field its two regular drivers again, Miguel Oliveira et Danilo Petrucci.
Both have been sidelined in recent weeks due to injuries. After the return of Miguel Oliveira at Misano, his teammate Danilo Petrucci is now also ready to make his comeback. A test carried out at Donington Park on the BMW M 1000 RR delivered encouraging results.
The team has been through a difficult period. Oliveira suffered serious shoulder injuries during races at the Balaton Park circuit in Hungary at the beginning of May, while Petrucci was injured in Most, Czech Republic, suffering in particular a fractured coccyx. Michael van der Mark served as interim manager for three events, while Hannes Soomer also replaced a driver at MotorLand Aragón.
Oliveira was able to resume competition at the last round in Misano, but the Italian event came a little too soon for Petrucci.
His recovery has now progressed sufficiently to allow him to consider a return to competition. He is expected to be present from July 10th to 12th at Donington Park. His test there on the BMW M 1000 RR confirmed the positive progress of his rehabilitation. A final decision will be made after the medical checks during the race weekend.
Sven BluschBMW Motorrad Motorsport manager: “Welcome back, Danilo. We are delighted that Petrux is about to return to competition after his injury. The last few weeks have been particularly difficult for all of us. That's why it's very positive to be able to look forward to having both our regular riders back at Donington Park.”
Danilo has been testing on the track and his feedback gives us every reason to be optimistic. Miguel already delivered an impressive performance on his return at Misano. Both riders still have some time before the race weekend to continue working on their physical condition.
We would like to thank all the medical staff who have supported them over the past few weeks. We also thank Mickey and Hannes, who have done an excellent job as substitutes.
Shaun MuirTeam Principal of the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team: “It was great to see Danilo back on the BMW M 1000 RR. Considering everything he’s been through in recent weeks, his performance during the test was truly impressive.”
What struck me most wasn't just his lap time, but his approach to the day. He was positive from his very first stint, happy to be back on the bike, and fully committed throughout the session. This gave a real boost to the whole team.
It was also very encouraging to see Miguel and Danilo riding together again. Both riders completed their testing programs and did important work in preparation for the race weekend.
After the difficulties encountered in recent weeks, this test is an important step for the whole team. We leave Donington with a lot of optimism and we look forward to returning in two weeks with our two regular drivers.
Danilo Petrucci: “I’m very happy because before this test, I wasn’t entirely sure of my physical condition. So it was great to see that I could ride again and feel comfortable on the bike.”
Above all, I was delighted to be working with my team again. We worked well together, made progress on the settings, and I was able to maintain a good pace.
But the most important thing for me was simply to rediscover the joy of riding a motorcycle. That's what I had missed the most.
I thank the entire BMW team for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to getting back to racing at Donington.
Superbike Donington Petrucci
