The pneumothoracic trauma takes longer than expected to heal and Toprak cannot race in Cremona. Reiterberger will replace him. It is a great opportunity for Bulega to reopen the championship
September 18, 2024
After Jonathan Rea, Toprak Razgatlioglu also has to give up the Cremona round, but if the absence of the six-time world champion will not have much of an impact on the outcome of the championship, the Turk’s absence reopens the possibility for Nicolò Bulega not only to reach him, but even to overtake him in the standings.
In a press release issued a few hours ago, BMW Motorrad Motorsport announced that the pneumothoracic trauma resulting from the frightening fall of the championship leader in Magny Cours requires more time to recover. Therefore, in agreement with the doctors of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, it was decided to exclude Razgatlioglu from participating in the Cremona round. In his place will be the official BMW Motorrad rider Markus Reiterberger who will therefore be the teammate of Michael van der Mark in the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK.
Reiterberger just concluded his 2024 season by taking third place in the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. As a reminder, Toprak is currently undergoing treatment in an Italian facility near Viareggio, under the care of doctors and physiotherapists, to regain full fitness.
This is his statement: “I would have liked to be back on track in Cremona, but my recovery is taking longer than I initially hoped. It is important that I make a full recovery and my goal now is to get back on my BMW M 1000 or RR at the next race weekend at Motorland Aragón. We need to be patient and take it one step at a time. One thing is for sure: as soon as possible and when my health allows it, I will be back fighting for the championship! I will be cheering on my team in Cremona and hope to see the BMW M 1000 RR on the podium. A big thank you to everyone who has supported me in this difficult time: we will see each other on track soon!”
This is instead the comment of Sven Blusch, Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport: “Toprak’s complete recovery is the top priority for everyone. Everything else takes a back seat. That’s why we have decided together that he will not return to racing in Cremona. He is in good hands and is working closely
contact with our medical staff to get back on his BMW M 1000 RR for the next round at Motorland Aragón. Markus Reiterberger is the perfect replacement for Cremona. He brings with him a wealth of experience with the bike, with WorldSBK and with BMW Motorrad Motorsport. Over the weekend he will focus on groundwork and preparation, gathering crucial information so that Toprak can fight for the championship with the best possible material upon his return.”
