BMW were absent from Race 2 at Balaton Park after both riders suffered injuries in the WorldSBK Superpole Race.
BMW were on a high after Miguel Oliveira secured a podium in Race 1 at the Hungarian WorldSBK Round. However, its fortunes took a turn for the worse on Sunday.
In the Superpole Race, both BMW riders were involved in incidents that saw them declared unfit for Race 2.
Danilo Petrucci was involved in a collision with Bahattin Sofuoglu during the shortened Superpole Race, in which he suffered “severe” bruising to his left hip.
The Italian rider fought through the pain and finished the race outside of the points in 16th place.
But after a trip to the medical centre ahead of Race 2, Petrucci was declared unfit and was forced to watch the final race of the weekend from the sidelines.
When speaking to Speedweek about Petrucci, the BMW Motorsport Director, Sven Blusch, said, “Bahattin hit him on the left side. The bruising on his hip was too severe. That’s why they didn’t want him to continue today.
“He rode through severe pain. Looking back, it was crazy that he was able to finish the race.
“He was in a lot of pain after the race. It was the adrenaline that drove him on. Danilo is a monster when it comes to things like that.
“But after the race, he went to the medical centre for a precautionary check-up. There, it was decided that he had to end his day prematurely.
“However, he should be okay for Most. We think he’ll be able to race there again.”
BMW will ‘have to wait and see’ whether Miguel Oliveira can race at Most
On the other side of the garage, Oliveira was also involved in a collision during the Superpole Race, resulting in him being transported to the hospital.
Whilst fighting for the podium places on the opening lap in the Superpole Race, the Portuguese rider was taken out in an incident with Sam Lowes and Andrea Locatelli.
The race was red-flagged as Oliveira was stretched away from the circuit. When the race was shortened and restarted, Locatelli received a double long-lap penalty for the incident.
After being taken to the medical centre, Oliveira was diagnosed with a concussion and a shoulder injury.
There was no further information regarding Oliveira’s situation after the final race of the weekend, but BMW are not certain that he will be fit in time for the Czech Republic WorldSBK Round.
It has now been suggested that BMW’s test rider, Michael van der Mark, may have to take his place at Most.
Blusch said, “It’s still too early to talk about that. But yes, Mickey is our test rider and also our reserve rider. We’ve communicated that. So he could be an option.
“But we have to wait and see how Miguel’s situation develops. We’ll certainly do our best to have him back with us at Most.”
READ MORE – Nicolo Bulega claims Hungarian WorldSBK treble with Race 2 victory
Discussion about this post