BMW awaiting Miguel Oliveira updates after Hungary WorldSBK “black Sunday”

The BMW WorldSBK team is still awaiting further information on Miguel Oliveira’s condition after his crash in the Superpole Race at Balaton Park.

Oliveira had started the Superpole Race well on Sunday morning (3 May) and was battling Andrea Locatelli for third going into turn five. Both ran wide and as Locatelli tried to cut underneath Oliveira he made contact with Sam Lowes, fell, and his bike collected Oliveira.

The Portuguese sustained a shoulder injury and concussion and was taken to hospital.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport boss Sven Blusch said afterwards that BMW has received “positive” updates on Oliveira, but that it is still awaiting the results of further examinations.

“It was a weekend in which we had to experience every emotion,” said BMW Motorrad Motorsport boss Sven Blusch.

“The great celebration on Saturday: Miguel [Oliveira] back on the podium! We could also see that we have improved further in terms of pace. We were faster than last year and, if everything had gone to plan, a podium finish in all three races would definitely have been possible. 

“But Sunday turned into a black day for us. First there was Miguel’s heavy crash, when he was innocently caught up in a collision in the Superpole Race. 

“That was a major shock, along with the initial uncertainty. Fortunately, there was some early, albeit cautious, positive news. 

“But now we must continue to wait and see what the further examinations at the hospital reveal.”

Oliveira’s teammate, Danilo Petrucci, was ruled unfit for Race 2 after his own incident in the Superpole Race that left him with a hip contusion.

“At the restart, Danilo [Petrucci] was also hit so hard by another rider that he was injured as well. Although he was still able to finish the race, based on the examinations in the medical centre afterwards, it was decided that he would not be allowed to start race two. 

“We wish both our riders a good and speedy recovery and will support them as much as possible throughout their recovery process.”

BMW's pair have two weeks to recover in order to be ready for the next round at Most on 15-17 May. There are also two rounds in the four weeks after Most with Aragon on 29-31 May and Misano scheduled for 12-14 June.