Swiss rider Fabio Sarasino will replace Lucy Michel at TSL following her surprise retirement from racing. This marks yet another rider from the Yamaha R3 Cup seizing the opportunity to move up to the IDM.
Following a test run in wintry temperatures at the Hockenheimring, TSL boss Stefan Laux finalized the partnership with the 19-year-old from Itingen. The town is located in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. Sarasino is only about to embark on his second season on a racing motorcycle, but he has a successful track record. At the age of seven, he competed in his first race on a Supermoto bike. He was Swiss champion in 2012 and 2014.
The Yamaha R3 Cup marked the 2021 rookie’s transition to road bikes and circuit racing. Now it’s time for the next step: the IDM Supersport 300, where Sarasino will also face off against his former Cup teammates Nick Roelfsema, Bryan Cohen, Michel-Caspar Wieth, Senna van den Hoven, and Sarah Göpfert.
Sarasino was completely surprised to suddenly be able to take over Lucy Michel’s spot. Stefan Laux comments: “Since season planning is in full swing and the Yamaha R3 has been completely rebuilt, it wouldn’t have made sense to simply call off the season
following Lucy’s last-minute withdrawal.” TSL Racing has reserved a spot for Michel for 2023, provided her situation eases up during her second year of apprenticeship. Due to the rigorous curriculum of her training to become a radiologist, the 17-year-old is currently not granted time off for the sport.
“Fabio caught my eye a few times last year in the Yamaha R3 Cup, especially at the Red Bull Ring,” Laux continued, adding: “He’ll need a little time to settle into the new situation, but I think he could develop well. The potential is there—we’ll have to see how far he can go with it. Lucy’s spot is reserved for 2023. She shouldn’t be away any longer than that, or else it will get difficult. Maybe it will work out with a two-man team, as was actually planned for this season.”