It’s back. The Bayer-Bikerbox Racing team, powered by Yamaichi Electronics, with rider Bastien Mackels has put an end to the involuntary COVID-19 hiatus and is training for the IDM premier class. First stop: Oschersleben.
So now things are getting serious again, and Mackels has also developed a strong visual connection to the fast blue machine. “The bike is absolutely gorgeous,” said the 2018 IDM Superbike 1000 runner-up, complimenting his Yamaha YZF-R1M. He added: “From the very first lap, the bike felt easy and efficient. It was a pleasure for me to ride right from the start. Even though we had to share the track with many amateur riders, the lap times were exactly what we wanted right away, without any changes to the settings. First and foremost, we used these days to better understand the new Yamaha electronics and all the adjustment options. We now have a good foundation. I think if the IDM season were to start in a week, we should be able to fight for the podium right away.”
Team manager Sepp Buchner felt a weight lifted off his shoulders: “Since the equipment arrived last March, all we’ve been able to do is work on the basics. Aside from numerous bench tests, there was nothing else we could do. Bastien was the fastest rider on the track at Oschersleben. His feedback on the bike is very precise. I haven’t often experienced that to this extent. But we’re also very happy with the innovations and further developments on the new R1. A lot has happened, especially in the area of electronics.”
Testing will take place this coming Thursday at Zolder, Mackels' home track.