Two of the high-profile teams already featured in our pre-season releases are once again in the news. Loet van der Putten, new passenger with Tim Prummer, has once again suffered a shoulder injury which will out him out for the season. Having battled back from the injury last year, he now finds himself in need of surgery, and yet another season will be spent recuperating. This is a bitter disappointment for a young man whose ability is only exceeded by his enthusiasm. The immediate challenge for Tim Prummer was to find an experienced replacement capable of running at his speed, and for the duration of Grand Prix races.
The answer came from another of our featured crews, when Benny Weiss announced his retirement. Patrick Schneider will now fill the void in Prummer’s sidecar, ticking all the boxes required to race at that level.
Schneider has more than proved his worth having helped Weiss to a Grand Prix race win last season, and many successful seasons in the World Championship.
He has also crossed swords with Tim Prummer in numerous German and Swiss Championship races, so the pair are well acquainted.
Whilst desperately sad for young Loet van der Putten, I am excited to see what Tim can do with Patrick Schneider alongside.
On the British front, it was almost touch and go for Dan Foden, who after a brilliant end of 2025 season with Noah Weinmann, broke his wrist in early 2026 action. It was a complicated break with extensive damage to the thumb. Things are mending well however, and the pair fully intend to be at the gate in the French opener. Wrists are tricky things, with many moving parts, so will it be a case of “steady away”?? Knowing what the Anglo-German duo are capable of, I guess they will be going for it as usual.
We are now very close to the mid-April start date in France with all preparations now being finalised by the teams, WSC, the FIM and all organisers for the new season.
Stay with us here for information and all other news as it becomes available on www.fimsidecarcross.com along with all our social media outlets.
From Barry Nutley
