Just what can happen on your birthday: Mechanic Marcus Herter was treated to the fastest lap time by his rider, Gabriel Noderer (Kawasaki). Noderer will start tomorrow’s IDM Supersport 600 race from pole position.
Herter is celebrating his 50th birthday today. The Weber Motos team offered their heartfelt congratulations. The birthday boy turned to Noderer and asked, “What are you going to get me?” The Bavarian replied spontaneously, “I’m going to secure a spot on the front row of the grid.” No sooner said than done. In the final three minutes of the second qualifying session, Noderer even set the absolute fastest time on the asphalt of the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben: 1:29.220 min. The surprise was a success.
“I just felt good,” said the ZX-6R rider, “even though I hadn’t expected the fastest time, since I lacked grip and there were a few slips along the way.” Noderer doesn’t believe, however, that he can pull away from the competition in tomorrow’s race. “Somehow, a group of contenders will probably form.”
Joining him on the front row are Yamaha riders Max Enderlein and Tom Toparis. Martin Vugrinec, Sander Kroeze, and Wayne Tessels follow in the second row. Theoretically, according to the timing records, Marc Buchner (Yamaha) should have been sixth. During technical inspection, his motorcycle was found to be 0.5 kilograms too light. Penalty: He was moved back to the eighth row of the starting grid.
The top eleven riders are all within one second of each other based on their best times. Behind Kawasaki's leader Noderer, there are twelve Yamahas, followed by the next Kawasaki.