Breaking News: The 2017 IDM champion is returning to the IDM for a guest appearance at Most from June 11–13, 2021. He will inevitably take another break from the Supersport World Championship, to which he was promoted after winning the title.
Due to injuries, the 2020 season was a write-off for the Austrian. He was preparing for his return to the World Endurance Championship ( Supersport) in 2021 with the Italian team DK Motorsport. But now the split has been announced. “Differences of opinion on the technical side and within the team management,” Gradinger says, explaining his reasons. The 24-year-old did not act rashly; rather, he has a track record of success. In 2019, he secured his first Superpole at Aragón and the first podium finish for an Austrian at Assen.
The fact that he’ll be racing in Most, Czech Republic, is a spur-of-the-moment decision. “Thomas Eder, who used to race in the Yamaha R6 Cup and now organizes racing clinics, is behind this,” Gradinger explains. “This year, I’m working as an instructor at his events. Thomas is also providing me with the Yamaha R6 I’ll be riding in Most.”
Grading has already gotten used to the 4.148-kilometer racetrack with its 10 right-hand and 18 left-hand turns. He was testing at the Autodrom on Monday and Tuesday. “It went well, and it’s not exactly anything new,” he says calmly, adding, “The bike doesn’t take much getting used to, and my brief stint in the World Championship this year didn’t make things any harder. I just think it’s cool to be racing again.”
Gradingner describes the competition in the IDM Supersport 600 as “incredibly tough.” Rivals like Patrick Hobelsberger, Gabriel Noderer, and Martin Vugrinec had booked the same test date. For now, Gradinger’s focus is on staying in shape for guest appearances in the World Championship so he’ll be ready when called upon. “I don’t know how it will turn out. But something’s always happening. I also have a few other projects up my sleeve,” he hints.