There are only a few days left until the start of the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM) season in Oschersleben: From May 21 to 23, 2021, Germany’s premier motorcycle racing series will be making a stop in the Magdeburg Börde region. The field of riders is top-notch in the IDM Superbike 1000 class as well as in the classes up to 600 cm³ and up to 300 cm³. The competitive level is regarded internationally as very high. The races in the premier classes will be livestreamed by Motor-Presse Stuttgart, the promoter and organizer of the IDM, as spectators will not yet be permitted on-site due to safety regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IDM Superbike 1000 is the premier class of the championship. A total of 24 riders from 14 countries are competing for the title here. Ten riders are considered contenders for victory in the individual races. Even the very first corner will play a crucial role for the top riders on BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha. Last year, Jonas Folger clinched the title in the premier class on a Yamaha with over 200 PS. The Bavarian is now competing for points in the Superbike World Championship. BMW aims to bring the IDM title back to its own camp and is counting on two-time champion Ilya Mikhalchik from Ukraine. The German motorcycle manufacturer has equipped its Superbike with even more technical features than before. The M 1000 RR is the most powerful sport motorcycle in BMW’s history and has been further upgraded for the IDM Superbike 1000 class. At Oschersleben, we’ll see for the first time this season where the four brands truly stand.
“All the riders, teams, partners, and of course we as organizers are really looking forward to the season opener,” says series manager Normann Broy. “The IDM has a field of competitors that’s stronger than it’s been in a long time. That promises thrilling finishes in every race as well as in the championships as a whole. The fact that the season is finally getting underway is a real boost for all of us.”
Top-level motorcycle racing is also on the agenda in the IDM Supersport 600. In the middle displacement class, slick tires may now be used instead of the previously required treaded tires. Although the Yamaha YZF-R6 is the most commonly used motorcycle, a Kawasaki rider—Luca Grünwald—took the title in 2020. Both brands will field top-tier contenders in 2021 as well, and riders like Dino Iozzo are even traveling from South Africa to compete.
As has been the case recently, Superstock riders are once again appearing in the Supersport field, though they are classified separately. Their motorcycles are closer to production models, and this smaller group isn’t competing for the IDM title but for a cup. How can you tell them apart? The Superstock 600 Cup riders have race number plates with white numbers on a blue background. For the IDM Supersport 600 riders, it’s exactly the opposite.
Things are no less exciting in the IDM Supersport 300. Defending champion Lennox Lehmann, Angelo Licciardi, and Toni Erhard—the champions from the past three years—will face off against one another. The race features motorcycles from Kawasaki, KTM, and Yamaha with over 50 PS. The junior class has established itself as a stepping stone to the top, enjoys immense popularity, and, according to FIM regulations, is open to teenagers aged 13 and older. As in the World Championship, the riders use slicks supplied by IDM tire supplier PIRELLI. Starting this season, the motorcycles will also be equipped for the first time with the same standardized electronics as in the World Championship.
The Northern Talent Cup, the Pro Superstock Cup, and the Twin Cup are set to round out the supporting program. “For all fans who are unable to attend in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the races will be streamed live to their homes via the MOTORRAD YouTube channel and the IDM Facebook page,” said Bert Brandenburg, Head of Events at Motor Presse Stuttgart.
Livestream Schedule
Saturday
3:10 p.m. Pre-show with L. Gajewski, E. Mielke, and T. Deitenbach; end of IDM SBK 1000 Qualifying 2; introduction of riders and teams
3:35 p.m. TWIN Cup, Race 1
4:15 p.m. Pro Superbike Cup, Race 1
5:05 p.m. IDM Supersport/Superstock 600, Race 1
Sunday:
9:35 a.m. Northern Talent Cup, Race 1
11:05 a.m. IDM Superbike 1000, Race 1
12:05 p.m. IDM Supersport 300, Race 1
12:55 p.m. IDM Supersport/Superstock 600, Race 2
2:30 p.m. Northern Talent Cup, Race 2
3:20 p.m. IDM Superbike 1000, Race 2
4:15 p.m. IDM Supersport 300, Race 2