The regulations for the 2024 season of the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM) have already been published. One change from the 2023 season stands out in particular and affects the Superbike class. It concerns the determination of starting positions for the races. In the future, these will be decided in two 15-minute “Superpole” sessions. The previous reverse grid will no longer be used.
Starting this Friday, the twelve fastest riders will qualify for Superpole 2 during a half-hour “Superpole Pre-Practice” session, where the top grid positions will be determined.
All other riders must compete in Superpole 1 to determine their starting positions. In addition, the top three riders from Superpole 1 also qualify for Superpole 2, thereby maintaining their chance at one of the front-row positions. This means that starting positions 1 through 15 are determined in Superpole 2. All subsequent starting positions are decided in Superpole 1. The riders then hold these starting positions for both races.
In addition, the tire allocation has been adjusted. Effective immediately, eight tires per IDM weekend are available in the Supersport class. In the Superbike class, the allocation is divided into front and rear tires. Superbike teams may use four front and five rear tires per event. The top three finishers from Superpole 1 are also permitted to use one additional rear tire.
In addition, adjustments have been made to ensure greater consistency with FIM regulations. False starts will be assessed in accordance with FIM guidelines, and a “rain on grid” procedure has been introduced for the start phase. The IDM promoter, Motor Presse Stuttgart, is thus fulfilling its commitment to providing riders and teams with a professional environment and ensuring fair competitive conditions.