The Estonian flag at the racetrack is iconic. Hannes Soomer’s fans follow their idol to every racetrack and wave the black, white, and blue flag in every direction. And it’s not just the Estonians. At the EURO MOTO in Oschersleben this coming weekend, there won’t be any cheers. Their Superbike star won’t be on the grid. Soomer isn’t coming. And even more races are in jeopardy. The reason is bitter.
“The Baltic Bullet” had doubted from the start that he would win the title in Germany’s top racing class, since it’s currently extremely difficult to win a race. But after his podium finish at the season opener, Sommer had believed he could finish in the top ranks. He deliberately skipped the two races in Brno because he was filling in for the injured BMW factory rider Danilo Petrucci in the FIM Superbike World Championship instead. At Most, he made his return with two sixth-place finishes.
Then came the setback. During his appearance in the Endurance World Championship at Suzuka, Soomer injured his right shoulder. His participation in the Suzuka 8 Hours came to a premature end on the final day of testing. Nearly four weeks after the accident in early July, the Northern European rider has not yet recovered. “It’s not working out. I have to go to the doctor next week for another checkup. That’s when it will be decided whether I’ll be able to compete in the races at Assen or not.” The EURO MOTO round in the Netherlands will take place from August 14 to 16.