Even before the curtain falls for the last time this year on Sunday at Hockenheim for the finale of the International German Championship (IDM), one thing is certain: Emil Weber’s Kawasaki team will continue in the IDM Superbike class, as will Supersport . However, the ZX-10 RR’s image outside the IDM is shaped by the riders in the Pro Superstock 1000 series, according to Jürgen Höpker-Seibert, head of Kawasaki Germany.
An agreement has been reached with Superbike team boss Emil Weber. Leandro “Tati” Mercado remains the top candidate for 2024, and a second rider is set to join the team. Negotiations are underway and the structure is in place. According to Jürgen Höpker-Seibert, they have formed a powerful team with the Wilbers crew and would like to continue and further deepen this collaboration, but so far, Benny Wilbers has not yet given his approval following the discussions to date.
Höpker-Seibert would like to have more riders competing under the Kawasaki Germany banner, because even with two riders it’s still a David versus Goliath situation, but the budget for that is limited. The IDM pool fee, which manufacturers must pay to be eligible for points in the championship, as well as the livestream, also put a strain on the budget.
For Kawasaki, the Pro Superstock 1000 series is therefore a key factor in the overall picture. Here, the motorcycles are less highly tuned than in the IDM Superbike, Germany’s top class in motorcycle racing. The chances of success are far higher for the large number of Kawasaki riders competing. Seven Kawasaki riders have scored points so far this season.
“Johann Flammann, Micky Winkler, and Felix Klinck can hold their own against Yamaha, Honda, and BMW in the Stock class,” says Höpker-Seibert, adding: “Our Kawasaki ZX-10 RRs perform exceptionally well at private track days, and that’s great publicity for us in the amateur racing scene. If you look at the lap times, the Pro Superstock bikes aren’t actually that slow.” For your information: Johann Flammann has won two races. He heads into the finale of the Pro Superstock 1000 series, which will be held as part of the IDM at Hockenheim, in third place overall. He is tied on points with second-place Philipp Gengelbach (BMW). Leon Orgis (BMW) leads the standings by 34 points.