Michael Van Der Mark to miss Misano WorldSBK test with fractured leg

A recent mountain bike accident has resulted in Michael Van Der Mark officially being ruled out of this week’s two-day Misano WorldSBK test. 

Scheduled to be his and BMW’s first official test of 2022, Van Der Mark was also set to ride alongside new team-mate Scott Redding, who will now lead the German manufacturer’s testing program along with Bonovo Action riders Loris Baz and Eugene Laverty. 

A keen mountain bike rider as part of his training regime, Van Der Mark suffered the accident on Sunday, and with the test getting underway on Wednesday, the turnaround was therefore too quick for the Dutch rider to be fit.

With BMW also set to test at Catalunya on March 25-26 and MotorLand Aragon on April 4-5, Van Der Mark’s recovery - his return to motorcycle action will be determined in the coming days according to the team - will prove key as to whether the five-time WorldSBK race winner can begin testing before next month’s season opener (8-10). 

BMW Motorrad Motorsport director, Marc Bongers added: "The treatment progress over the next few days will show when Michael will be able to get back on the motorbike. We are in close contact with Michael and wish him a speedy recovery."

While the Misano outing won’t be Redding, Baz or Laverty’s first action of the year as all three have conducted private tests, it will be the first alongside several WorldSBK teams/riders, although one that is not organised by Dorna. 

That will instead come at Aragon in April when the entire 24-rider field will be in action.