Max Schmidt has managed to take home four points from Oschersleben so far. The 19-year-old from the Hertrampf MO Yamaha Racing Team isn’t happy with his results so far. But he’s going to turn things around. And Schmidt already knows how.
“The season opener at the Lausitzring was a total disaster,” the mechanical engineering student from Wuppertal admits self-critically. “I just couldn’t get into a rhythm. We had problems with the Yamaha’s setup. I was actually hoping to finish in the top ten at Lausitz, but it didn’t work out in the first race, and in the second race I was taken out by another rider. “Schmidt is an honest guy when he admits: ‘I missed Vladimir Leonov’s help.’ He’s happy to rely on the support of the prominent Russian.”
At 19, Schmidt is the youngest rider in the IDM Superbike series, while team star Leonov is an established international figure who has been back in the premier class since Oschersleben. “That’s when I took a step forward right away,” says Schmidt, who is smart and picks up a lot from his 35-year-old mentor. “Vladimir can exploit the bike’s strengths much better; he rides more smoothly and cleanly. He also told me quite clearly that you have to ride the R1 like a cross between a 600cc and a 1000cc machine.” Now Schmidt is fine-tuning his riding style and constantly learning. “I get a lot of tips from Vladimir, but also an honest opinion when I’ve done something wrong. I want to make it into the top ten.”
Schmidt is frustrated that the second race at Oschersleben ended in a DNF. “After a stone hit the radiator, the Yamaha’s engine overheated and I had to pull out. It was a shame because I was posting the same lap times as the riders in 7th and 8th place.”
What can the Wuppertal native, who moved up to the premier class in 2021 as the runner-up in the Pro Superstock Cup, expect this year? Team boss Denis Hertrampf has made his expectations clear: while he hasn’t specified a particular finishing position, Hertrampf wants to see improvements. The gap between Schmidt and his teammate Daniel Kartheiniger needs to close. It would be even better if the gap were closed. There are plenty of opportunities. The next IDM event takes place June 24–26 in Most, Czech Republic.