Von Budapest aus geht es für Máté Számadó zum Sachsenring, wo vom 12. bis 14. Mai die IDM ihre neue Rennsaison anpfeift. Es ist sein drittes Jahr in Folge, in dem er in der Supersport 300-Klasse mit seinem neu benannten Team Kawasaki Hungary Racing by Ivanics an den Start geht. Dreimal konnte sich der 17-Jährige in der vergangenen Saison einen Podiumsplatz sichern und wurde am Ende Gesamt-Siebter. In diesem Jahr könnte der Ungar sogar zu den Titelanwärtern in der Nachwuchsklasse gehören. Wir haben mit Máté Számadó über seine bisherigen Eindrücke von der IDM gesprochen und wollten natürlich noch mehr über den sympathischen Kawasaki-Piloten erfahren.
IDM: 2023 marks your third year in the IDM SSP300. How have the last two seasons been for you?
Máté Számadó: Looking back, I can say that the last two years have been, above all, years of learning. Both I and the entire team have learned a great deal—both on and off the track—which is why we’ve been able to improve year after year. The fact that we managed to secure three podium finishes last season was, of course, fantastic and incredibly motivating for me and the entire team.
How did you get into motorcycling in the first place?
I started riding motorcycles when I was 7 years old. Ever since I was little, I’ve always watched MotoGP with my dad and cheered on the Hungarian riders. At some point, I got the idea to try riding myself, and my dad supported me. I’ve stuck with it ever since.
Can you still remember what you were thinking three years ago when you found out you’d be racing in the IDM?
I was completely thrilled and excited at the same time! I knew that the IDM was a very demanding championship, and I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Let alone what kind of results I might be able to achieve.
And what do you think of IDM today?
It's the same as it was three years ago. The IDM is one of the most competitive championships, and riders can learn a lot from it. At the same time, it can pave the way for many young riders to the World Championship and prepare them for it.
What have you taken away from the past two years that will make you stronger for the new season?
If I had to highlight one thing, it would be riding in a group. It’s not easy to hold your own in the SSP300 class. I’ve learned to grit my teeth and somehow fight my way through. Sometimes I even make it onto the podium.
This year, you're one of the title contenders. What will you do differently this season in the race for the title?
I’m taking my training even more seriously than before and really want to prepare myself well for the upcoming races. That way, I can start the season with confidence. I’ll also be focusing even more on my performance in the races, with the goal of finishing on the podium after every race.
Do you have a kind of ritual you go through on race weekends to get ready for the races?
I don't really have a specific ritual. But what I always do is get on the bike from the left side. That's the only way I feel safe.
What do you do in your free time when you're not racing?
To be honest, I spend most of my time with my girlfriend. Or I hang out with friends, with whom I also play video games. But I don’t have much time for that, since I’m focusing on my schoolwork. I want to go to college afterward so I can become a race engineer one day.