Setback on Friday: Michael van der Mark fractures his femur neck in a crash in practice.

The weekend in Estoril began with a big setback for BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team, when van der Mark crashed in the first free practice session. He was successfully operated on in Lisbon on Friday evening and is already able to take a few steps on crutches. Van der Mark will return to his home in the Netherlands on Monday. The whole BMW Motorrad Motorsport family wishes him a speedy recovery.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director:

“Michael’s injury was an extremely difficult start to the weekend. We hope to have some news soon about how quickly he might recover. In the meantime, we will see who could step in as a replacement if needed.