The list of entrants in the IDM Superbike is growing. When the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM) kicks off the season at the Sachsenring from May 12 to 14, 2023, Marco Fetz will be back on the track as well. For a long time, it didn’t look like that would happen.
When the 23-year-old from Kleinbreitenbronn was informed by the Wilbers BMW team at the end of last year that the racing team was disbanding, Fetz found himself out of a job from one moment to the next. “To be honest, I wondered whether I should even continue,” he recalls, “because we had no other options.”
Nevertheless, plans were made regarding how and with what resources he could continue his career. “We’ve now reached the point where the plan is coming together,” said Fetz, who is fielding a private team with three mechanics and support staff.
The motorcycle is familiar. Fetz bought the BMW S 1000 RR from Wilbers, the bike he rode into the top ten at Most in 2021 before crashing heavily two months later on August 15 in Assen and injuring his leg. A quick comeback was out of the question. The 2022 season was a write-off for the Bavarian due to the lengthy recovery process. Now the accident seems to be a thing of the past. “I’m doing well; the accident is behind me,” says Fetz. “I’m really looking forward to riding and will also go testing before the season starts,” he says, excited about what’s to come, but confident: “It’ll be good. I certainly won’t finish last.”
In theory, Fetz could get started right away. He picked up his motorcycle last week at Wilbers in Nordhorn. In practice, though, he’ll have to be patient for a little while longer. The schedule depends on how the BMW is being prepared.