Three Big-Name WSBK Stars Injured at Magny-Cours

Magny-Cours brought life back into the 2024 World Superbike title fight as Toprak Razgatlioglu missed all three races after a big crash on Friday. With the BMW rider out of action, Razgatlioglu’s main title contender Nicolo Bulega completed a Sunday double to haul himself within 55 points of the Turkish star.

Unfortunately for Razgatlioglu, the star of 2024 was declared unfit following his FP2 fall which caused a collapsed lung. Razgatlioglu was officially diagnosed with a ‘mild traumatic pneumothorax’ after losing the front end of his M1000 RR before sliding into the wall. Razgatlioglu was also diagnosed with a back contusion after visiting the medical centre.

Razgatlioglu has since spoken and hopes to be back in action in two weeks at Cremona: “I hope to be back in two weeks’ time in Cremona. We’ll have checks again, but I think it should be okay.

"I want to thank all the medical staff at the track and in Moulins hospital. And I want to thank everybody for the many messages and best wishes. See you soon on track again!”

Six-time Superbike champion Jonathan Rea was next to the sidelines after being declared unfit following a crash on lap one of Saturday’s first feature race. Rea was not alone in crashing as Bulega also hit the deck on lap one.

Rea was diagnosed with a right thumb fracture and a deep wound and was then transported to Moulins Hospital.

“Unfortunately, my injury needed specialist attention and I had to have an emergency surgery to repair some damage in my right thumb,” Rea said. “I will understand my recovery day by day, but I would just like to thank the track medics and especially Dr Antoine Martins for fixing me up.

“Thank you to all my team, my fans and all my sponsors that continue to support me in this tough period.”

Last but certainly not least is Alvaro Bautista, whose tough 2024 season continued at the French round. After finishing second in Race one, Bautista could not continue that form as he crashed in the Superpole Race on Sunday morning.

Bautista went down on the opening lap and was diagnosed with a left ribcage fracture. The Spaniard said: “There’s not much to say. It’s been an unlucky weekend. Unfortunately, after the start of the Superpole Race, I couldn’t avoid contact with a rider much slower than me, and in the crash, I injured myself. Patience is needed now. I hope to recover for Cremona.”

Never before have Bautista, Razgatlioglu and Rea all missed a race at the same time.