The GERT56 racing team from Pirna, Saxony, celebrated its first meeting of the season at the “Berghaus Falkenhorst” in Waldidylle near Altenberg. It is now clear what goals IDM Superbike veteran Toni Finsterbusch and his two premier-class rookie teammates, Patrick “Pax” Hobelsberger and Jan-Ole Jähnig, have set for themselves.
After the 2021 season, GERT56 had to start almost from scratch in its second IDM season in 2022. However, according to team boss Karsten Wolf, switching to suspension manufacturer Mototech SPV was the right move: the GERT56 riders stood on the podium a total of seven times in the IDM Superbike class with their BMW M 1000 RRs.
With Toni Finsterbusch, the team retains an experienced rider who will also take the lead in training the new “Superbike rookies.” While Jan-Ole Jähnig views 2023 as a learning year—and will have it counted toward his development—the same is true for Patrick Hobelsberger, though he makes it clear: “I wouldn’t take on all this just to finish second.” He arrived at the team event fresh from motocross training in Italy and traveled directly to Spain afterward for more track sessions.
Despite sharing the same bike design, the three GERT56 riders will have distinct identifying features. While Finsterbusch (No. 56) will feature red accents in his design, Jähnig (No. 14) will be distinguishable by blue highlights and Hobelsberger (No. 52) by yellow stripes. These color codes will also be carried over to the labeling of components and equipment (e.g., rims, tire warmers, suspension, etc.) to minimize errors and mix-ups in the cramped and hectic conditions of having three bikes in the pit. Technically, GERT56 is ready for 2023: The three BMW M 1000 RR race bikes are fully assembled.
“After the last two seasons, which were marked by the pandemic and supply chain issues, we didn’t want to leave anything to chance—not even potential future price adjustments by manufacturers and suppliers. That’s why we’re already well-positioned for the season and the first races,” says Karsten Wolf, adding: “We were even able to complete some chassis tests with RS Speedbikes and Mototech SPV in Spain. The lap times achieved there, compared to some other top-tier competitors, serve as a good benchmark and technically confirm that we’re on the right track. We always define our goals as a team, and as a privateer team, we’re first and foremost committed to our own standards. We want to support Toni on his way back to the top and onto the podium, just as we are supporting Jan-Ole as he makes his debut in the IDM Superbike. Pax is a rookie, but he has already experienced a lot in his six years of racing. He has made it clear that he isn’t doing all this training just to finish second in the end. That is his goal, and it inspires us.”