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 am I getting from you?” The Bavarian replied spontaneously, “I’ll qualify for the front row.” No sooner said than done. In the final three minutes of the second qualifying session, Noderer even set the absolute fastest time on the track at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben: 1:29.220 min. It was a real surprise.
“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’ll be able to pull away from the competition in tomorrow’s race. “Somehow, a group of contenders will probably come together.”
Joining him on the front row are Yamaha riders Max Enderlein and Tom Toparis. Martin Vugrinec, Sander Kroeze, and Wayne Tessels follow on the second row. Theoretically, according to the official timing, Marc Buchner (Yamaha) should have been sixth. However, during the technical inspection, his motorcycle was found to be 0.5 kilograms too light. Penalty: He was moved back to the eighth row on the 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.