It’s a bit of a sensation: Dirk Geiger (18, Mannheim, Freudenberg SWC WorldSSP Academy) will compete in the IDM junior class at the next two events on a KTM from Michael and Carsten Freudenberg’s team. The appearances are taking place in cooperation with Geiger’s regular team, PrüstelGP. The rider from Baden, a two-time champion in the ADAC Northern European Cup Moto3 (2016 and 2017) and previously the overall winner of the ADAC Junior Cup, is actually competing in the Moto3 Junior World Championship on a KTM with the team from Oberlungwitz. Geiger is now using the long break until the next race (October 3–4 at Motorland Aragon) for a stint in the IDM.
This will give the KTM rider additional riding practice following his collarbone fracture nearly four weeks ago. With one of Germany’s greatest talents in motorcycle racing, the Freudenberg team is gaining experience with the KTM RC390 R, which the Bischofswerda-based squad also fields in the Supersport 300 World Championship. In addition, the IDM newcomer from the Junior World Championship serves as a benchmark for the riders in the IDM Supersport 300 class. “It will be interesting to see how Dirk can establish himself in the highly competitive 300cc class,” says team boss Carsten Freudenberg. “It was a very last-minute decision to race with Dirk at the Sachsenring.”
PrüstelGP team coordinator Tim Jüstel explains: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 season is unfolding differently than we’re used to, and we have to adapt to the circumstances.” Originally, the team had planned several races with Geiger in the Moto3 World Championship, but these could not take place due to the canceled events. Regarding the surprise IDM appearance, Jüstel says: “The additional race for Team Freudenberg is, of course, a good opportunity for Dirk to spend more time on a race bike and compete against others on the track.”
Carsten Freudenberg praises the collaboration between the two Saxon racing teams: “It’s really great how we work together and support young talent.” Freudenberg’s regular riders Lennox Lehmann (14, Dresden), Lennard Göttlich (15, Eibau), and Jann Netzker (18, Calau, all from the Freudenberg SMC WorldSSP Academy) aim to benefit from Geiger’s experience. For the talented trio from Saxony, Geiger is a valuable mentor to help them develop further in the IDM Supersport 300 series. The team’s fifth rider at the Sachsenring will be former IDM Moto3 champion Max Kappler (23, Oberlungwitz, Freudenberg KTM WorldSSP Team). On his home track, however, his main task will be to test new parts for KTM’s World Championship motorcycle.