Tarran Mackenzie (MGM Optical Express Racing) will have to wait a bit longer for his MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship comeback. The #95 had hoped to be back on track at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours following the injuries he sustained at Donington Park, but a pre-round medical check means the Stirling-born rider will not take part in the Acerbis French Round.
Mackenzie was injured at his home round at Donington Park after a heavy crash at the final corner. Heading into Goddard’s, he had a big moment under braking and crashed heavily, leaving him with injuries to his collarbone, shoulder blade and his left tibia and fibula. He had surgery on his tibia and collarbone.
Despite a period of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and his shoulder injury healing well, the leg injuries were still causing him issues which have ruled him out of action in France. Therefore, his comeback will have to wait a few more weeks, as the Scot will aim to be back on track at Cremona from the 25th-27th September. The team have opted not to replace him for the French Round, meaning they will also not compete.
Discussing the news, Mackenzie said: “Unfortunately, I’ve been declared unfit, I worked so hard since the crash to try and get back 100% but I’ve been advised by the doctors to allow more time for the fracture in my leg to heal, before riding. As disappointed as I am, I also understand the situation. I need to look after my body and I know I couldn’t have done more up until this point recovery wise so it’s just the situation I’m in, unfortunately.”
Team Principal Michael Galinski added: “Naturally, I am deeply disappointed as well. We came here with the genuine intention of racing. But ultimately, the rider's health takes absolute priority. It is a shame, given that we were fully prepared. Now we have to look ahead and focus entirely on Cremona. That’s only two weeks away, and I hope recovery will have progressed sufficiently by then; otherwise, we’ll have to make other plans. For now, however, the priority is for our rider to get healthy and be able to get on the bike in Cremona.”
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