IDM SSP 300: Geiger Takes the Lead in Q1, 15-Year-Old Causes a Surprise

IDM SSP 300: Geiger Takes the Lead in Q1, 15-Year-Old Causes a Surprise

Former IDM rider and current World Championship rider Dirk Geiger set the fastest lap time in the first qualifying session of the IDM Supersport 300 on Friday evening in Assen. Photo: Dino Eisele, Text: Rowena Hinzmann

After the first qualifying session in the IDM Supersport 300 at Assen, one thing is clear: Assen promises pure excitement and a diverse lineup of both new and familiar riders!

World Championship rider Dirk Geiger (Füsport – RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki) set the fastest lap time. The guest rider, who was part of Team Freudenberg-Paligo Racing in the IDM last year, already showed in Friday’s two free practice sessions that he is in good form and intends to be a great help to his teammate Marvin Siebdrath. The Wildenfels native, who secured fourth place in the first qualifying session, is currently second in the IDM overall standings and trails leader Leo Rammerstorfer (Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing) by just three points. But the Kawasaki team’s mission is to change that this weekend.

The second-fastest rider was Lennox Lehmann (Freudenberg KTM – Paligo Racing), another World Championship rider. Although the Dresden native ended up in the gravel during the first practice session on Friday morning after a collision with his teammate Walid Khan, he emerged unscathed.

The surprise of the day came from a brand-new face in the IDM: Juan Antonio Conesa (MTM Kawasaki) hails from the Spanish Championship. The 15-year-old is competing in the IDM for the first time and is racing at the Assen circuit for the second time. “I’m here to compete against international riders and World Championship riders, and to train,” said Conesa. He finished third at the end of Q1.

Things also went well for the young Dane Oliver Svendsen (Füsport – RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki). The Kawasaki rider secured fifth place, ahead of Leo Rammerstorfer, Thom Molenaar (Molenaar Racing), and Ferre Fleerackers (B.art Racing Team). Swiss rider Fabio Sarasino (TSL – Racing) rounded out the top 10.

The first qualifying session was halted after Troy Beinlich (Roto-Store BRT Vitori) crashed just a few minutes before the end. The German rider injured his foot in the crash. It is not yet clear whether he will be able to race again on Saturday.

The first race of the IDM Supersport 300 will take place on Saturday at 4 p.m. and can be watched live at www.idm.de/live.

 

IDM SSP 300, Qualifying 1:

  1. Dirk GEIGER (GER/Kawasaki)
  2. Lennox LEHMANN (GER/KTM)
  3. Juan Antonio CONESA (ESP/Kawasaki)
  4. Marvin SIEBDRATH (GER/Kawasaki)
  5. Oliver SVENDSEN (DEN/Kawasaki)
  6. Scott DEROU (NDL/KTM)
  7. Leo RAMMERSTORFER (AUT/KTM)
  8. Thom MOLENAAR (Netherlands/Kawasaki)
  9. Ferre FLEERACKERS (BEL/Kawasaki)
  10. Fabio SARASINO (CHE/Yamaha)