The first year in the IDM Superbike series is almost over. At Hockenheim, Honda rookie Paul Fröde takes stock of his debut in the premier class.
“I can’t complain,” says the 20-year-old from Hohenstein-Ernstthal in Saxony. “Right at the start of the season, I scored my first five championship points. But the best part was my eighth-place finish in the second race at Assen. I also know why I was so fast there. The TT Circuit is a circular track. That really suits my riding style from my time in the 600cc class. On a Superbike, you have to ride completely differently; I’m still working on that.”
Fröde hasn’t regretted his move to the Superbike class for a single minute. In fact, the Honda rider, who is affiliated with Team Holzhauer Racing Promotion, hopes to move on to the next stage in 2023 with his current partners. Because he knows full well: “Without Jens Holzhauer and Honda, I wouldn’t be riding here at all.” Getting the right feel for the bike isn’t exactly easy, but the performance is brilliant, not least thanks to the many electronic aids on the CBR 1000 RR-R.