MGM Yamaha Racing, led by team manager Michael Galinski, is making a fresh start in the 2019 IDM Superbike 1000 series. Leading the charge is Marc Moser, who brings experience from both the international and national stages. Riding alongside him is Maximilian Weihe, who dominated the Suzuki GSX-R Cup last season.
After a year away from racing, 25-year-old Marc Moser is back in the saddle of the Yamaha YZF-R1. He first successfully completed his bachelor’s degree in International Business before returning to the track. His last full IDM season was five years ago, when he finished third in the Supersport 600 class. Later, Moser raced in the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup as part of the Superbike World Championship. The one-year break from racing did not sit well with the Frankfurt native. “I participated in a few private track days, but I really missed the intense competition.”
Moser had been considering a return to the Endurance World Championship, had been in contact with Honda’s Holzhauer, and then met Michael Galinski. The deal between Moser and the Yamaha team boss was quickly sealed. “Of course, the goal is to beat defending champion Ilya Mikhalchik,” says Moser, “but I think the top 5 should be my target, and that’s a realistic goal. I’ve never ridden a Yamaha before. But during my private outings last summer, I proved that I’m still fast. So I’m not too worried about that.”
In Mikhalchik, Moser faces a former teammate from the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup. Both rode Kawasakis in 2017. What does he think of the Ukrainian? “Ilya was already fast back then. But he didn’t always ride smart. I think he can be beaten.”
For IDM Superbike 1000 newcomer Maximilian Weihe, the focus is on steady personal development. “It’s hard to set specific goals, since working with such a professional team is completely new territory for me,” says Maximilian Weihe.
Team manager Michael Galinski has his hands full. Through his company, MGM Racing, he is also responsible for the technical support of the motorcycles in the Yamaha R3 blU cRU Challenge, which is part of the IDM Supersport 300, as well as the Twin Cup.