IDM SSP 300: Geiger Takes Pole from Iglesias

IDM SSP 300: Geiger Takes Pole from Iglesias

Dirk Geiger will start from pole position in the first race of the IDM Supersport 300 in Assen, a spot that Inigo Iglesias had to give up due to a penalty. Photo: Dino Eisele, Text: Rowena Hinzmann

The battle for pole position in the IDM Supersport 300 at Assen is over and ended with Inigo Iglesias securing pole position—though it was subsequently awarded to Dirk Geiger.

Inigo Iglesias (Füsport – RT Motorsports by SKM – Kawasaki) dominated both qualifying sessions on Saturday and secured pole position with a fastest lap time of 1:51.276 minutes. The Spaniard, who currently leads the championship, said he had enjoyed the practice sessions so far on his favorite track as part of the International German Motorcycle Championship and was also pleased with the reinforcement his team provided in the form of Kevin Sabatucci. “This race weekend is our team’s home race and therefore very important to us,” Iglesias said after qualifying, adding: “With Kevin, we’re now at a strong enough level to hold our own against the Freudenberg team’s KTMs.” Following teammate Petr Svoboda’s withdrawal from the IDM, the Kawasaki team signed Kevin Sabatucci for the IDM races in Assen to provide Iglesias with backup in the title fight. The plan seemed to be working: Inigo took pole position, and Sabatucci secured second place. The first KTM, ridden by Dirk Geiger (Freudenberg KTM-Paligo Racing), finished third, behind the two of them.

But the joy was short-lived, as race officials subsequently issued a penalty because the tire sticker inspection in Q1 had not been properly carried out. In addition to Iglesias and Sabatucci, Ruben Bijman (Team Apreco) was also penalized. Ty Henriksen (Henriksen Racing) and Albert Prasse (Yamaha bLU cRU IDM by Kiefer Racing) were penalized because the stickers were missing from their tires. All five riders were set back three grid positions for the first race.

Accordingly, Dirk Geiger will start the first race from pole position, guest driver Loris Veneman (Veneman Racesupport) from second place, and Belgian driver Ferre Fleerackers (B.art Racing) will start the first race in the afternoon from third place.

The first race will take place this Saturday at 5:35 p.m. and will be broadcast live at www.idm.de/live.

 

SSP 300 Results, Q1+Q2:

  1. Inigo IGLESIAS (ESP/Kawasaki)
  2. Kevin SABATUCCI (ITA/Kawasaki)
  3. Dirk GEIGER (DEU/KTM)
  4. Loris VENEMAN (NLD/Kawasaki)
  5. Ferre FLEERACKERS (BEL/Kawasaki)
  6. Thom MOLENAAR (NLD/Kawasaki)
  7. Ruben BIJMAN (NLD/Yamaha)
  8. Sven DOORNENBAL (NLD/Kawasaki)
  9. Lennox LEHMANN (DEU/KTM)
  10. Dustin SCHNEIDER (GER/KTM)

 

SSP 300 Starting Grid, Race 1: 

  1. Dirk GEIGER (DEU/KTM)
  2. Loris VENEMAN (NLD/Kawasaki)
  3. Ferre FLEERACKERS (BEL/Kawasaki)
  4. Inigo IGLESIAS (ESP/Kawasaki)
  5. Kevin SABATUCCI (ITA/Kawasaki)
  6. Thom MOLENAAR (NLD/Kawasaki)
  7. Sven DOORNENBAL (NLD/Kawasaki)
  8. Lennox LEHMANN (DEU/KTM)
  9. Ruben BIJMAN (NLD/Yamaha)
  10. Dustin SCHNEIDER (GER/KTM)