Max Enderlein (M32 Team) or Thomas Gradinger (Eder Racing Team)? That was the question on everyone’s mind regarding pole position during Supersport qualifying. The answer: Enderlein. The Saxon remained calm, even though his hair must have been standing on end given his razor-thin lead. Enderlein edged out the Austrian by a mere 0.020 seconds.
Jan-Ole Jähnig was pushed out of third place in the second qualifying session. Andreas Kofler had taken that spot. His big moment had arrived. He had already parked the Kawasaki in the pit and was waiting anxiously to see what would happen on the timing monitor. Some of his competitors were still on the track. Would the Austrian hold onto his position and actually be able to start the race from the front row for the first time? Or would Jähnig strike back? At exactly 1:25 p.m., the 17-year-old racer from Vöcklabruck knew the answer: Yes, he had done it. He had never been this far ahead in the IDM Supersport, which he joined a year ago with the Kawasaki Schnock Team Motorex.
“I didn’t manage a perfect lap in the first qualifying session, but things went much better this time,” the ZX6-R rider said afterward. “Almost everything went right. There are still a few technical issues, but I’m absolutely thrilled to be starting third on the front row.” His biggest role model is his own brother. Maximilian, who is four years older, switched to the Supersport after two years in the Moto3 World Championship. It’s only natural that the siblings share technical insights. “I can actually help him more now, because I’ve been riding the bigger bikes longer than he has,” laughs Andreas, who nevertheless looks up to his brother.
The Belgian confirmed that his success as a rookie in the class—Luca de Vleeschauwer (Kawasaki Weber-Motos Racing)—at the season opener at the Lausitzring was no fluke by finishing fifth in practice. He is therefore once again expected to be in the mix for a podium finish. His teammate, Micky Winkler, will start from 15th on the grid.
IDM Supersport, Qualifying
1. Max ENDERLEIN (GER), Yamaha
2. Thomas GRADINGER (AUT), Yamaha
3. Andreas KOFLER (AUT), Kawasaki
4. Jan-Ole JÄHNIG (GER), Yamaha
5. Luca DE VLEESCHAUWER (BEL), Kawasaki
6. Christoph BEINLICH (GER), Yamaha
7. Melvin VAN DER VOORT (NED), Yamaha
8. Twan SMITS (NED), Yamaha
9. Severin BINGISSER (SUI), Kawasaki
10. Milan MERCKELBAGH (NED), Yamaha