Top-tier racing, outstanding riders, seven events, and races that thrill fans—that’s the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM). This coming weekend, the IDM season opener will take place at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben.
When the engines start up in the Magdeburg Plain from May 9 to 11, 2025, the winter break will finally be over. From now on, the competition will be back in full swing, and we’ll see just how effective the teams’ and drivers’ test runs over the past few months have been. In addition, the transfer merry-go-round has created entirely new lineups.
Top superbike riders are coming one after another
There has been plenty of movement in the IDM Superbike, the premier class of Germany’s top racing series. After four titles, champion Ilya Mikhalchik is seeking a new challenge in England. In his place, Argentine Leandro Mercado and Estonian Hannes Soomer have joined the official BMW factory team, which has won six titles in the last eight years. Honda, meanwhile, is eager to repeat its triumph from the season before last. Here, German rider Florian Alt rose like a phoenix from the ashes and led the Japanese brand to success after a 13-year drought. Kawasaki managed to convince Austrian rider Philipp Steinmayr to make a comeback. Ducati is fielding the Panigale V4R with 2023 Italian champion Lorenzo Zanetti and Bavarian rider Lukas Tulovic, who comes from the Grand Prix circuit. The two BMW teammates Toni Finsterbusch and Jan-Ole Jähnig are also considered top contenders. Last but not least, Yamaha Germany has also teamed up with a new team shortly before the start of the season and has South African Sheridan Morais as a wild card. In addition, there are several talented young riders looking to cause some surprises.
Supersport is stronger than it has been in a long time
Supersport in the IDM Supersport class Supersport no less spectacular, albeit with slightly less power. In the mid-displacement class, with at least 135 hp at the rear wheel, defending champion Andreas Kofler already knows that more riders than ever are just waiting to beat him this year. “Melvin van der Voort for sure, plus Luca de Vleeschauwer, Dirk Geiger, Lennox Lehmann, Marcel Brenner, and Marvin Siebdrath. He’s already made a name for himself during testing. I think everyone who Supersport in the IDM Supersport last year has stepped up their game over the winter. With the current lineup, we’re facing the strongest Supersport in a long time.”
The IDM Sportbike is a new addition. It has replaced the previous junior class, the IDM Supersport . Normann Broy, Head of Motorsport at Motor Presse Stuttgart, explains: “The new class is very interesting for motorcycle manufacturers, as the models raced have significantly greater market relevance than the 300cc bikes.” The format, which the FIM had originally planned for 2026 as part of the World Superbike events, will make its debut at all IDM events in 2025. This guarantees excellent preparation. The various motorcycle designs in this class will be standardized to a uniform power level of approximately 95 hp, ensuring a level playing field for all riders.
The Northern Talent Cup and the ADAC Junior Cup, as supporting series, ensure that the Motorsport Arena offers an extremely varied and exciting program, so that every spectator gets their money’s worth. Your admission ticket also grants you access to the paddock. Nowhere else can you get as close to the riders as you can at the IDM. The highlight is the Fan Walk through the pit lane on Sunday. Because IDM is all about being right in the thick of the action, not just watching from the sidelines.
Can't make it due to work or other commitments? You can watch the IDM races via a free live stream at www.idm.de/live.
Dates for 2025:
May 9–11, 2025 – Oschersleben
May 30–June 1, 2025 – Schleiz
June 20–22, 2025 – Most (CZ)
July 4–6, 2025 – Oschersleben
August 15–17, 2025 – Assen (NL)
September 5–7, 2025 – Nürburgring
September 26–28, 2025 – Hockenheim