Last weekend, Oliver Svendsen pulled off a sensational feat. The Danish rider from Team Freudenberg-Paligo Racing competed in the World Championship for the first time on a wildcard and immediately found himself battling among the leaders. In the end, he secured an impressive sixth-place finish. From that point on, the name Oliver Svendsen was on everyone’s lips—and not just in the paddock. The TV commentators on the World Supersport 300 live stream also heaped praise on the 21-year-old. Afterward, Svendsen was inundated with calls and messages.
This weekend, he’ll be back on the starting grid in the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM)—his usual stomping grounds, where he’s currently battling for the title. Only three points separate him from championship leader Jeffrey Buis. But Oliver Svendsen’s chances of winning the title have improved significantly since this weekend. That’s because Buis, who competes regularly in the World Championship, will miss at least two IDM race weekends due to World Championship tests that overlap with the IDM rounds. That plays right into Svendsen’s hands.
We spoke with Oliver Svendsen in Schleiz about how he felt about his guest appearance in the World Championship and what he thinks of the IDM.
IDM: It’s been just under a week since your first appearance in the World Championship. Looking back, what headline would you give this weekend in Most?
Oliver Svendsen: I can say with absolute certainty that this was the best race weekend of my life. For five years, I’ve been working tirelessly to achieve this goal, which I set for myself what feels like an eternity ago. The fact that it ended with a P6 finish in the very first race exceeded all expectations. That’s why the headline would read: “P6 made the best race weekend spectacular.”
IDM: You started the first race from the middle of the pack in 16th place and managed to break into the leading group on the very first lap. How did you feel about the level of driving during the races?
Oliver Svendsen: The level of competition is clearly high, but I expected it to be tougher. That might also be because I was already battling at the front against World Championship riders like Jeffrey Buis, Ruben Bijman, and Marco Gaggi during the IDM races in Most back in June, so I was well prepared. Still, I had expected to finish in the top 20 rather than coming in sixth.
IDM: What did you struggle with over the weekend?
Oliver Svendsen: It wasn’t the pressure, as many people probably assume. I didn’t feel any pressure at all. Rather, it was riding in the large peloton when things get tight and chaotic. I definitely still need to work on either holding my position or fighting my way to the front in those situations.
IDM: Would you say that the IDM prepared you well for the World Championship?
Oliver Svendsen: Definitely. I’ve been racing in the IDM for four years now. That time has shaped me, step by step, into the rider I am today. It’s not just about riding skills, but also about the advice and support I’ve received off the track. Even before my guest appearance, Jeffrey Buis helped me make sure I was fully prepared for the World Championship.
IDM: Jeffrey Buis won’t be competing in at least two IDM race weekends because the dates conflict with World Championship testing. This greatly increases your chances of winning the title. To what extent does this opportunity play a role in your daily life?
Oliver Svendsen: It was a factor for me at the start of the season, but it’s settled down now. You get used to the situation, so everything goes back to normal. Back home in Denmark, I focus on my work, my personal life, and staying in shape. As soon as I hit the track, my focus is on my job as a driver and on getting the best possible result. During the race, I naturally think about points too, because every point counts. Especially this year, when winning the championship is within reach and my dream of competing as a full-time driver in the World Championship is getting closer and closer.