Ilya Mikhalchik will make his second appearance on the 2022 WorldSBK Championship grid after being called up once more to deputise for the injured Michael van der Mark during Round 4 of the season at Misano.
The Ukrainian rider made his WorldSBK debut at the season-opening Aragon round in place of the Dutchman, who was still recovering from a broken leg sustained in a pre-season cycling accident.
While van der Mark returned to action for Round 2 at Assen, a heavy fall during the early stages of FP1 at the following Estoril round left him with a fracture to the right femoral neck (hip). Undergoing surgery in Lisbon, it is understood van der Mark could be facing a prolonged period on the sidelines.
“Of course, it’s a real shame that Michael has suffered another injury,” said BMW WorldSBK Director Marc Bongers. “He was operated on that same evening in Lisbon. Everything went well and Michael was able to return home on the Monday. We are in close contact with him and wish him a speedy recovery.”
In the meantime, he has a worthy replacement in Mikhalchik, who emerged as one of the surprise standouts from Aragon with a run to the top eight in qualifying and the first race, while he was among BMW’s race-winning rider line-up during last weekend’s Spa 24 Hours EWC race.
“I am really looking forward to Misano. My first appearance in Aragón went very well. I hope that I can achieve good results also in Misano and that I can help to improve the bike for the team.
“I know Misano from the past, when I was riding there in the 600 cc and the Superstock 1000 classes. I don’t know yet how it will be there on a Superbike but for sure we will do our best and I hope that we will also be competitive there.”
