After several weeks sidelined by a shoulder injury, Miguel Oliveira is gearing up to get back on his BMW M 1000 RR for the next World Superbike Championship round. The Portuguese rider aims for a comeback this weekend in Italy, but his teammate Danilo Petrucci remains out of action.
Oliveira Expected Back After a Difficult Spell
The WorldSBK paddock is buzzing with the imminent return of Miguel Oliveira. Absent from the circuits in Most (Czech Republic) and Aragón (Spain) following a crash at Balaton Park in Hungary in early May, the Portuguese rider underwent an intensive rehabilitation program in his home country. His fractured scapula, sustained in an incident he wasn’t responsible for, forced a premature break. Oliveira, who was present to support his team in Aragón, now feels ready to get back in the saddle of his #88 BMW M 1000 RR. However, the final decision will be subject to on-site medical approval, a standard procedure in the sport.
Petrucci Still Injured, Van der Mark Steps In
The situation is less positive for Danilo Petrucci. The Italian rider, who fractured his tailbone in Most, is seeing his recovery extended. Although his healing is progressing well, the team and rider have agreed not to take any risks. Petrucci will be at Misano to cheer on the team but will not be able to race. Consequently, Michael van der Mark, BMW’s test rider and Endurance champion, will take his place. The Dutchman, who previously substituted for Oliveira in Most and Aragón, returns to the seat of his former team, with whom he collaborated for five years.
BMW Motorrad Motorsport Focuses on Gradual Return
Sven Blusch, head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport, expressed his satisfaction with Oliveira’s recovery. “We are very happy that Miguel’s healing has progressed to the point where we can plan his return at Misano,” he stated. He also praised the efforts of everyone involved in the rider’s rehabilitation. Regarding Petrucci, Blusch confirmed the cautious strategy: “We have agreed to wait a little longer. He is already feeling much better, but we don’t want to rush anything.” Van der Mark’s involvement is seen as a positive continuation, especially after his recent success at the 8 Hours of Spa with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team.
Oliveira: “Rebuild My Rhythm and Regain Confidence”
The Portuguese rider shared his enthusiasm about getting back on his machine. “I can’t wait to rejoin the team and get back on my BMW M 1000 RR,” Oliveira confided. “My goal during my recovery has always been to return at Misano, and I’m happy to be able to do so.” He even participated in a track day on a production bike to assess his physical condition. “I know the challenge ahead. The level of competition is extremely high, and I am still in the physical recovery phase. My priority this weekend will be to find my rhythm, regain confidence on the bike, and progress session by session. The rest will come with time and hard work.”
Misano Weekend Schedule
The seventh round of the 2026 Superbike World Championship season will take place at the Marco Simoncelli circuit in Misano, Italy, from June 12-14. Fans eagerly await seeing how Miguel Oliveira performs in his comeback, facing an ever-tough field.
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