For the second time this year, the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM) is making a stop at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben—and for the second time, the pole-setter in the Sportbike class at the Magedeburger Börde is Luis Rammerstorfer. The Austrian, who already secured pole position at the season opener in Oschersleben, is making an impressive comeback after a five-week forced break due to injury.
Rammerstorfer breaks his own record
The 17-year-old from Team Freudenberg RoRa-Paligo Racing already turned heads during Friday’s second free practice session—and followed that up with strong performances in both qualifying sessions. With a lap time of 1:31.402 minutes, he even beat his own pole time from the season opener and heads into this afternoon’s race as the clear favorite. “I didn’t expect things to go this well right off the bat,” said the Triumph rider, who showed no signs of holding back following his injury. Since he still feels some slight pain in his shoulder and arm, he is keeping his expectations in check: “I don’t know yet how fit I am for the races. That’s why I’d be very happy with a solid top-5 finish,” the Austrian added.
Kooistra surprises with a front-row start
Rick Kooistra (Pearle Gebben Racing) provided one of the day’s surprises. The Dutch rider secured a front-row starting position for the first time on his Triumph Daytona 660. “We’ve worked hard over the last six races—on the bike and on my riding style. Now it’s starting to pay off,” said the 24-year-old from Assen. His goal is clear: his first IDM podium.
Svoboda remains consistently strong – Iglesias experiments
Third place on the grid goes to Petr Svoboda (WRP Racing). The Czech rider clearly feels at home on the Oschersleben circuit and once again impresses with his consistency and track awareness. Joining him on the second row is Inigo Iglesias (Wematik Racing by RT Motorsports). The Spaniard and his newly formed team continue to work intensively on the setup—with the goal of bringing the Triumph Daytona 660’s full potential to the track.
Hänse back in form – Svendsen struggles with new suspension
Justin Hänse (Motorradtke GYTR by Penz13) seems to have put the disappointing race weekend at Most behind him. The Yamaha rider from Harth-Pöllnitz secured fifth place on the grid. Oliver Svendsen (Triumph Germany Racing Team), the current points leader, follows in sixth place. The Dane is still struggling with the newly installed suspension on his Triumph Daytona 660 and has not yet found his usual rhythm.
The third row features a star-studded lineup
Starting from the third row are Korbinian Brandl (AK Racing Team), Anton Södergren (Triumph Germany Racing Team), and Cedric Holme Nielsen (Motorradtke GYTR by Penz13). Rounding out the top 10 is Ben Kugler (MotoLife). The Bavarian rider and his team switched from Aprilia to Triumph at the last minute and will be racing their new bike for the first time at Oschersleben. However, the second qualifying session ended for Kugler after just one lap due to engine failure. It remains to be seen whether he and his team will be able to get the bike ready in time for the first race this afternoon, or whether he might be allowed to start on his old machine, the Aprilia RS 660.
The first race of the IDM Sportbike class starts on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. Spectators can watch the race live and for free via livestream at www.idm.de/live.
IDM Sportbike, Qualifying 1 & 2
- Luis RAMMERSTORFER (AUS), Triumph Daytona 660
- Rick KOOISTRA (NLD), Triumph Daytona 660
- Petr SVOBODA (CZE), Aprilia RS 660
- Inigo IGLESIAS (ESP), Triumph Daytona 660
- Justin HÄNSE (DEU), Yamaha YZF-R7
- Oliver SVENDSEN (DNK), Triumph Daytona 660
- Korbinian BRANDL (DEU), Aprilia RS 660
- Anton SÖDERGREN (SWE)
- Cedric HOLME NIELSEN (DEU), Yamaha YZF-R7
- Ben KUGLER (DEU), Triumph Daytona 660
- Alexander WEIZEL (DEU), Aprilia RS 660
- Ty HENRIKSEN (DEN), Aprilia RS 660
- (G) Maksymilian PALMOWSKI (POL), Aprilia RS 660
- Kristoffer KÖNIG (DEU), Aprilia RS 660
- (G) Lucas Persson SØRENSEN (DEN), Aprilia 660
- Sven SEIDLER (GER)