To get their sidecar back in top shape, Markus Schwegler and Ondrej Kopecky (Motorsport Königswartha/LCR Yamaha) had to roll up their sleeves just before the race weekend in Schleiz and, for once, really step on the gas—not on the track, but in the workshop.
The German-Czech team had been struggling with technical difficulties since the start of the season, but the exact cause remained a mystery. That is, until two weeks ago, when the cause was discovered: a faulty control unit was behind the problems. However, the next piece of bad news wasn’t long in coming, as it was announced that repairing the control unit would take about six to nine months. “That would have meant the season was over for us, of course,” Markus Schwegler described the situation. So an alternative solution had to be found. “Something used wasn’t an option for us, which is why we replaced the entire electronics system,” the 54-year-old continued.
Over the course of four intense day and night shifts leading up to the race weekend in Schleiz, the sidecar was brought back up to speed mechanically. In addition to a new control unit, a new wiring harness and display were also installed. “We kept our spirits up with humor and hope,” Markus Schwegler said with a wink, looking back on the last-minute rush. It paid off. In the first free practice session, the pair finished fifth and were satisfied with the kilometers they’d covered. “After all, we’ve already driven more laps today than we did over the last few weekends.”
We’ll find out as early as Friday evening whether this upward trend will continue. That’s when the first qualifying session for the sidecars begins. Following Q2 on Saturday afternoon, the IDM Sidecar sprint race will take place at 5:40 p.m.