In the Superbike class free practice at the second IDM event of the year in Oschersleben, Markus Reiterberger (BCC-alpha-Van Zon-BMW), Florian Alt (Wilbers-BMW-Racing), and Vladimir Leonov (Hertrampf Mo Yamaha Racing Team) dominated. Bastien Mackels (Kawasaki Weber-Motos Racing) was fourth fastest on the timesheet. However, the weekend is over for the Belgian following a disastrous crash.
“All we know is that the front wheel of the motorcycle folded in,” according to the Kawasaki Weber-Motos team.
However, this minor slip-up has major consequences. Mackels was transported to a hospital in Magdeburg. As far as the pit crew knows so far, he sustained injuries to his leg or ankle and to his shoulder, and possibly his collarbone.
Data recording specialist Jens Schulze analyzed the crash: “Bastien slipped at the front, but we don’t know why. It wasn’t anything spectacular.” He added: “It’s a shame. He could have been in the running for a podium finish here in Oschersleben. We were competitive.”
The Kawasaki ZX-10RR has sustained serious damage, and Mackels is out of action. This affects not only his IDM start in the premier class but likely also his World Endurance Championship race at Spa in early June. Mackels was determined to compete in his home country.