RoKiT BMW’s Toprak Razgatlioglu and Pata Proteon Yamaha’s Jonathan Rea have both been sidelined from this weekend’s WorldSBK action at Cremona due to injuries sustained in Magny Cours.
Razgatliolgu missed the previous round of action after a crash during the second free practice session caused a mild pneumothorax injury, while Rea withdrew following his crash on Lap 1 in Race 1.
Championship leader Razgatlioglu was hoping to return to racing at Cremona, but decided to withdraw following further medical examinations and consultations with ROKiT BMW’s team doctors.
The Turkish rider will be replaced this weekend by BMW test rider Markus Reitenberger.
“I would have loved to be back on track in Cremona, but the recovery of the mild pneumothorax is taking longer than I initially hoped,” Razgatlioglu said.
“It’s important that I make a full recovery, and my goal now is to return to my BMW M 1000 RR at the next race weekend at Motorland Aragón, but we need to wait and take it step by step.
“One thing is certain: as soon as possible and when my health allows, I will rejoin the championship fight!
“I’ll be rooting for my team in Cremona, and I hope to see the BMW M 1000 RR at the front and on the podium.”
“Toprak’s complete recovery is the top priority for everyone,” said Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, Sven Blusch.
“Everything else takes a back seat for now, that’s why we decided together that he will not return to racing at Cremona.
“He’s in good hands and working closely with the medical team to get back on his BMW M 1000 RR by the next race weekend at Motorland Aragón.
“However, we will take all the time needed. In Markus Reiterberger, we have an excellent stand-in for Cremona, who brings a wealth of experience with the bike, WorldSBK, the team, and BMW Motorrad Motorsport.
“He will focus on basic and preparation work during the weekend, gathering crucial information so that Toprak can fight for the championship with the best possible material after his comeback.”
Jonathan Rea replaced by Niccolo Canepa at Cremona WorldSBK round
Razgatlioglu’s absence follows the announcement that Pata Proteon Yamaha’s Jonathan Rea has also withdrawn from the weekend to recover from the thumb injury he also sustained at Magny Cours.
Rea will be replaced by Nicolo Canepa, who is retiring from racing after this weekend’s action.
“Based on current medical advice, both from his surgeon in France and local medical team in Northern Ireland, Jonathan Rea will miss the Italian Round in order to allow the skin graft and internal repairs to his right thumb to fully heal – with eyes firmly fixed on a return in Aragon next week.” Pata Proteon Yamaha said in a press release.
“Rea withdrew from the French Round in Magny-Cours following a crash at the end of Lap 1 in Race 1 and underwent emergency surgery in Clermont-Ferrand on 7 September.
“The Northern Irishman has since focused on recovery at home, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions to assist healing.
“Yamaha’s Official Test and Development Rider, Niccolò Canepa, will ride the Pata Prometeon Yamaha R1 WorldSBK in Cremona – joining the team for one final dance before his retirement from professional racing.
“Last weekend, Canepa finished third with his teammates for the Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team at the 24-hour Bol d’Or race at Paul Ricard.”
