IDM SPB: Title Showdown and a Guest on Pole

The tension couldn’t be any higher: This weekend’s season finale of the IDM Sportbike class at the Hockenheimring will determine who becomes the first champion to go down in the history books of this new category. Two names are in the spotlight— Inigo Iglesias-Bravo ( Wematik Racing by RT Motorsports) and Oliver Svendsen ( Triumph Germany Racing Team). Just five points separate the two rivals ahead of the decisive races at Hockenheim. However, the final pole position of the year went to Belgian rider Sasha De Vits, who will compete as a guest rider for the Triumph Germany Racing Team in the finale.

Guest driver De Vits surprises everyone by taking pole position

The starting grid adds to the excitement: In qualifying, under cool and slightly damp track conditions, Sasha De Vits (Triumph Germany Racing Team) set the fastest time. The Belgian, who is stepping in at the last minute for the injured Anton Södergren (Triumph Germany Racing Team), secured pole position right off the bat with a time of 1:36.650 minutes. Joining him on the front row is another guest rider who is a familiar face on the IDM circuit: Leo Rammerstorfer (Freudenberg Rora-Paligo Racing, 1:37.913) and title contender Oliver Svendsen (1:39.348). Inigo Iglesias-Bravo will start fifth on the second row—guaranteeing excitement for the race and, above all, for the title battle between Iglesias-Bravo and Svendsen.

A Rough Season for Iglesias

Iñigo Iglesias-Bravo arrives as the leader with a five-point advantage. The 23-year-old brings a wealth of experience: two years in the Supersport and the 2023 IDM title in the Supersport speak for themselves.

His path into the new season, however, was anything but straightforward. After a difficult start in the IDM Supersport series, he Supersport ways with his then-team, Triumph Germany Racing, and competed as a guest rider for Carsten Freudenberg—winning both races in Schleiz right off the bat. Within three weeks, a dedicated team was put together for him, one that has stood by him ever since. He now leads the championship. Drawing on the experience he gained during two years on the World Championship circuit, the Spaniard now aims to claim his first championship title in the new sportbike class.

Svendsen's Fierce Comeback

His biggest rival is Oliver Svendsen. The 21-year-old Dane is the reigning IDM Supersport champion and aims to become the first Danish rider to win back-to-back championships in two different classes. However, his year has been marked by setbacks: first, turmoil within the team following Iglesias-Bravo’s departure, then in July, he broke his leg multiple times during practice—an injury that could have effectively ended his season.

He missed the race weekend in Assen due to injury. But with tremendous determination and sheer grit, he returned three weeks later, fought his way onto the podium at the Nürburgring despite the pain—and now holds second place in the standings heading into the season finale. For him, the title is not just a sporting goal, but also a symbol of his comeback. “I gave it my all to be back here. Now I’m absolutely determined to win this title,” said the 21-year-old.

In his home country of Denmark, Svendsen has become a familiar face in motorcycle racing—and he now wants to prove that even riders from a small motorsports nation can make their mark on the international scene—and make the leap to the World Championship.

The battle for third place is also wide open

While Iglesias-Bravo and Svendsen are battling it out for the title, the fight for third place is still wide open. Since Petr Svoboda cannot compete in the season finale due to a broken heel he sustained at the Nürburgring, Rick Kooistra (Pearle Gebben Racing) and Justin Hänse (Motorradtke GYTR by Penz13) will battle it out for third place in the overall standings. Both are rookies in the IDM and have already put in strong performances this season—Hockenheim will be the decisive battle for them as well.

The Big Showdown

So it all comes down to a thrilling title showdown. Will Iglesias-Bravo, with all his experience, keep his cool—or will Svendsen pull off a fighter’s comeback and be crowned champion despite his injuries?

The outcome will be decided this weekend in two races: Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:40 p.m. following the Fan Walk—both streamed live at idm.de/live.

IDM Sportbike, Q1 and Q2 Results: