De Elisabetta Lubrani / Corsedimoto.com
Michael van der Mark fractured the neck of the femur in the same right leg that had undergone multiple operations in recent weeks. He risks three months of release, BMW in emergency
Michael van der Mark arrived in Portugal with morale of steel. He had finally left his crutches behind him, had been walking on his own two feet for a few days and had returned to training after the serious motorcycle accident which occurred before the start of World Superbike 2022. He had fractured his tibia and fibula. right leg, very seriously, and had to undergo a long operation to reduce the fractures. At Assen, his home race, he wanted to run at all costs, even if he was not yet on his feet. Who knows how, he managed to finish eighth in race 2. His championship would begin at Estoril…
Another serious fracture
But on the second lap of the first session, he crashed at the exit of the “Cavatappino”, finding himself thrown from the BMW. He landed on his right leg, fracturing the neck of his femur. Transported to Lisbon hospital, doctors will have to decide how to intervene in the coming hours. The most optimistic prognosis speaks of a three-month shutdown. At best, Michael van der Mark will be able to return in September. The season is compromised.
What happened ?
The accident was very strange. The Dutch rider was doing his second lap, and at the second intermediate, he was 2″6 behind the best reference of the moment. So he was driving very slowly. BMW had entrusted him with an engine upgrade, which was validated during testing last Monday at the nearby Portimão circuit. The team ruled out technical problems, notably electronics: BMW uses a proprietary system, and not the Marelli which equips the rest of the field.
Who will replace him?
BMW has already stated that there will be no replacements during the Portuguese weekend. According to the rules, the team could have called a replacement before 9:00 a.m. Saturday, the start time of FP3. But at this stage, the problem arises of finding a driver capable of facing at least three rounds, all summer: Misano, Donington and Most. The Ukrainian Ilya Mikhalchik has already replaced the Dutchman in the Aragón round, with decent results.
