At the season opener at the Lausitzring, defending IDM Superbike 1000 champion Ilya Mikhalchik won the first race. In the second race, the 22-year-old Ukrainian from the alpha Racing-Van Zon-BMW team retired while leading. The cause: an electronic malfunction on the S 1000 RR. As a result, he heads to the second IDM round in Oschersleben in fourth place in the standings. He leaves no doubt about his conviction that he is still number one. Mikhalchik is a professional who knows only one goal: to win.
How did you handle the opening round in Lausitz?
Sure, I'm a little disappointed, but the championship is a long one. We have a good bike, good speed, and plenty of time to score as many points as possible.
When and for how long do you train?
Almost every day; I take a break at most one day a week. After the season opener at the Lausitzring, though, I was pretty sick for two weeks. But last week, I spent a lot of time on the bike.
Do you ride your motorcycle every day?
Not necessarily every day. But when I do, I try to ride different motorcycles as often as possible. That comes out to five or six times a week.
What’s your relationship like with your teammate Julian Puffe?
I have a good relationship with him, and nothing can change that. I respect all drivers—whether they’re my teammates or not. But on the track, there’s only one number 1.
Can you speak a few words of German?
No. I speak four languages: Russian, Ukrainian, English, and a little bit of Spanish. And I understand Polish. That's enough for me. But maybe I'll pick up a few bits and pieces of German in the future.
What are your expectations for the IDM round in Oschersleben?
I have to win both races.
How well-known are you in Ukraine?
I have a lot of fans, and I enjoy that feeling. But there are also people who don't like me. That's normal, after all.