BMW factory rider Michael van der Mark will not compete in the 2022 World Superbike Championship opener at Motorland Aragon, but will be represented by Ilya Mikhalchik
Michael van der Mark will have to miss the opening round of the 2022 World Superbike Championship (WSBK) season as a result of his broken leg
As BMW confirmed in a statement on Sunday, the Dutchman will also be represented by Ilya Mikhalchik at Motorland Aragon for the race weekend (8-10 April). Van der Mark had already revealed to Motorsport-Total.com that Mikhalchik would ride for him at the Aragon test on Monday and Tuesday (4/5 April).
Van der Mark, who underwent surgery on his broken leg last week following his mountain bike crash in early March, says of sitting out the season opener, “It was a difficult decision, but unfortunately I won’t be attempting to ride at Motorland Aragon. “
“In this moment we have to be wise and stay calm because this is the only way I can move forward in my healing process. I really miss working with the team and riding my BMW M 1000 RR. But now my goal is to get fit again as soon as possible,” said the Dutchman.
Mikhalchik from the Ukraine, who is also part of the pool of BMW factory riders, already represented van der Mark at the WSBK test in Barcelona at the end of March and will continue to do so until further notice. His appearance at the season opener next weekend will be his race debut in the World Superbike Championship.
