At Assen, Superbike rider Marc Moser (Triple M Racing Ducati Frankfurt) rode a Ducati V4R Panigale. This will also be the case at the big IDM finale in Hockenheim from September 22–24, 2023. Behind this is the ambitious project of his father and team owner Matthias Moser. As one of Germany’s largest Ducati dealers, he is a strong advocate for the Italian brand’s entry into the IDM. We spoke with him about it.
Ducati in the IDM. What do you think?
I think that’s great—that’s why I do it. It’s a project close to my heart. But of course, there’s also a certain business aspect to it. I’ve owned Ducati Frankfurt for over 20 years now, and I believe Ducati belongs in Germany’s top championship. I also believe that the IDM is a very good platform for Ducati dealers—and for Ducati itself—to promote the brand and help it grow. That’s an important message.
Are there any specific reasons for your belief?
When I think back to Schleiz this year, where not a single Ducati was on the starting grid, I still noticed that a lot of spectators were wearing Ducati T-shirts. That shows just how much interest there is in Ducati in this championship. And if Ducati competes, the IDM will attract more spectators and we’ll sell more motorcycles. I believe in this connection. And it’s the same for Ducati Frankfurt. If we participate as a team in the IDM, we’ll gain an even better image, and that will also have a positive impact on our financial situation.
What are the chances that Ducati will join the IDM so that points can be earned in the championship?
I think the chances aren’t too bad. We were very close to it three years ago. We even had the go-ahead from Ducati’s boss at the time. But then other issues came up, and it didn’t work out in the end. Still, I actually think Ducati is already on board with it. It’s also worth noting: If Ducati were to decide to participate, there wouldn’t be just one rider. I expect there will be at least three Superbike riders and five in the Supersport class.
Are there already talks about this?
Yes, there are. But the Italians were all still on vacation in August. We’ll be stepping up the talks in September and October, and I’m very hopeful that we’ll reach a positive decision. Especially if the project we’ve launched here in the IDM Superbike series turns out well.
What kind of equipment is your son Marc Moser using now?
It’s a stock-spec race bike with the corresponding stock specifications. The same bike is also used in the Italian championship—with one difference. We’re using a production ECU, while the Italians are required to use a standard ECU that’s the same for every bike. Ducati isn’t happy with the standard ECU. We’ve been told that the production ECU works much better with the bike.
Is Marc Moser still slated to be the rider, or is the current project more of a test run?
As far as I’m concerned, Marc will always have a spot. Because Marc is always my number one rider. However, he has to decide for himself what he wants to do. If he doesn’t want to continue, I’ll still put together a team with Ducati’s approval.
