Mikhalchik is a BMW factory rider and competes in the FIM Endurance World Championship for the German manufacturer, for whom he tested in France after the Barcelona WorldSBK test. He raced for BMW at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto over the weekend, finishing fourth and fifth, before making the trip north to Aragon for the test and round weekend. His addition to the grid means that Ukraine will become the 47^th country to be represented in WorldSBK.

Discussing the decision to sit out of the Aragon Round, van der Mark said: “It has been a difficult decision but unfortunately, I will not try to ride at MotorLand Aragón. At this moment we have to be smart and stay calm because this is the only way forward in my recovery. I really miss working with the team and riding my BMW M 1000 RR but right now my goal is to be fit again as soon as possible.”

Talking about his and Ukraine’s debut in WorldSBK at the MotorLand Aragon Supported Test, Mikhalchik said: “First of all, I want to say thank you to BMW for this opportunity and get well soon to Michael and that hopefully, he can come back soon and as fast possible. Especially for Assen at home, which is very important. It’s a big challenge for me, I was waiting for this for a long time. I spent a lot of hours on my side to join this and for me, it’s important. To be competitive, bring positive teams for the team so that they can use it in the future for Michael. For sure, I’m ready to ride good and I will try my best. For me, it’s a good target if in the first race I can take points and then from this, we will improve this.”

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