Things are going better than expected for Vladimir Leonov at the Hertrampf MO Yamaha Racing Team. Team boss Denis Hertrampf is now pulling out all the stops and entering the Ducati Panigale V4R in the IDM Superbike 1000 class.
Leonov secured a podium finish in the IDM Superbike 1000 right at the season opener, even though both the team and the bike were new to him. The Russian followed that up at Most, where he earned another 24 championship points in the premier class on Czech soil. He is currently fourth in the overall standings and is in contention for the title on his Yamaha YZF-R1M. “When we signed him, I wasn’t focused on a title fight at all, but rather on developing the bike,” says team boss Denis Hertrampf, clearly delighted, adding: “Vladimir has immense technical talent.” As a reminder: The Hertrampf Team has raced with Suzuki in recent years and now has to completely switch gears.
At the next race, the man from Nordhorn in Lower Saxony will hopefully have another surprise up his sleeve. He’s bringing a Ducati Panigale V4R to the starting grid. Daniel Kartheininger will be the rider. However, since Ducati isn’t a partner of the IDM Industry Pool, the team—called HRT 100—won’t earn any points. “Our goal is to run the Panigale during the Truck Grand Prix from July 16 to 18.” The problem: Kartheininger wrecked the red diva during test runs. It will take quite a bit of effort to rebuild it. Wouldn’t a new motorcycle be more appropriate? “We can’t get one, because there aren’t any left. But despite global supply issues, we received a new frame last Saturday,” Hertrampf explains.
In addition to the Truck Grand Prix, the IDM in Assen and the Hockenheim finale are on the schedule. Hockenheim, however, is only on the list if the final round of the German Endurance Championship (DLM) at the Nürburgring is canceled. At the moment, that round is still up in the air. If it does take place, Team HRT 100 will definitely be competing there. “It’s a matter of honor. We’re firmly committed to the series.”