Just yesterday, there were still big question marks about where Leandro “Tati” Mercado would end up after Kawasaki team boss Emil Weber stepped down from the Superbike class. Today, the matter has already been settled. The Argentine is joining Werner Daemen’s championship-winning BMW team and, together with Hannes Soomer, will lead the charge in the title race in Germany’s top motorcycle racing class.
Belgian rider Werner Daemen has secured nine championship titles with his Masteroil-Alpha-Van Zon-BMW team, which has once again announced Masteroil as its new title sponsor. His most recent title win was just a few months ago. Now a four-time Superbike champion, Ilya Mikhalchik has left the IDM. The Ukrainian will continue his career in the British Superbike Championship (BSB).
“To that end, we’re fielding two new top riders,” explains Daemen. Leandro “Tati” Mercado from Argentina and Hannes Soomer from Estonia will be fighting for points and victories for BMW. Even though Soomer, a seasoned World Championship rider, will once again be competing in the IDM in his distinctive blue outfit, he is an integral part of Daemen’s IDM team. “I’m very happy to stay with BMW for a second year and be part of Werner’s team this season,” the Estonian assures us. “It has been the most successful team in IDM Superbike in recent years and is the best chance for me to fight for the championship.” The blue in his suit has become his trademark and was actually intended primarily to help his mother spot him on TV more easily.
For Leandro Mercado, everything related to BMW is completely new territory. The former World Superbike rider is very familiar with the IDM, but not with the brand. He’s getting support from none other than his former Kawasaki team boss, Emil Weber. The Swiss rider isn’t letting that opportunity slip away, even though he’s stepped back from his own Superbike activities. “It will be something very special to be part of the BMW family and to ride the BMW M 1000 RR,” says 32-year-old Mercado, adding: “I’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity, so I’m very excited. I can hardly wait for the season to start, and I’d like to thank everyone who made this possible, especially Emil Weber and Werner for their trust in me.”
As for the younger players, here’s the situation: Milan Merckelbagh and Bálint Kovács are expected to make an impact. The contract with the Dutch player Merckelbagh has already been finalized. “Things are looking good with Bálint, too,” says Daemen. “All that’s left is for him to sign the contract extension.” The Hungarian player Soma Görbe will be supported by his own team.