Mixed fortunes for KTM at IDM Superbike in Schleiz; another podium for Nebel
The factory supported KTM Germany Superbike Team had both success and disappointment in IDM in Schleiz at the weekend with Stefan Nebel’s result a cause for celebration while Didier van Keymeulen was unable to start because of injury problems.
The team’s German rider Nebel quickly found his usual tempo after a four-week break in the race calendar with a coveted front row starting position as a result of his third place in qualifying on the high speed natural racing circuit. The KTM factory rider was able to fight for victory in both races on his KTM RC8R as well as securing yet another podium place and valuable championship points with his third and fourth place finishes.
Unfortunately the injured Didier van Keymeulen was forced to leave the circuit empty handed after a medical check of his injured hand indicated that it was more serious than originally thought. Because the bones are not healing according to expectations the KTM rider will now have to undergo a second operation. Whether the disappointed Belgian rider will be able to race again in 2009 is presently unlikely. The entire team wish “DVK” all the best and a speedy comeback. He was the one who caused a sensation by giving the brand new team pole position and it’s first ever podium place at the Lausitz circuit at the beginning of the season.
Race One
Enjoying the best of weather Stefan Nebel emulated his successful KTM motocross colleagues by snatching the “holeshot“on the tradition-rich circuit. The 28-year-old professional held the lead from time to time in front of championship leaders Joerg Teuchart and Arne Tode in a race that saw much jockeying for position. At the culmination of what was a thrilling race, the 34,000 spectators in Schleiz experienced a spectacular if unusual finish. Behind winner Dario Giuseppetti and second placed Joerg Teuchert, KTM rider Nebel and Werner Daemen crossed the finish line at exactly the same moment. After the photo finish photos were examined, both riders were awarded third place and invited to the podium ceremony.
Race Two
Never was the team’s first victory as close as in the second race of the day on the 3.8 km circuit. But in the end it was a small technical defect that spoilt the chances of the KTM professional rider. As in the first race, Nebel at first battled it out in a group of four. Then when both Daemen and Tode went down in the space of two laps, taking Teuchert with them, Stefan found himself as clear leader. But by the middle of the race his advantage had melted away and he ended the race in fourth position as a result of a defective sensor that affected the motor management. Despite this problem Nebel was still able to diligently collect championship points and return to second on the table. Now with 156 points he is now 12 points ahead of Werner Daemen with still two races in hand.
Stefan Nebel (3.4.)
“Race one also ended in a premier for me because I’ve never had to share a podium place before. But the fact remains that I fought with Werner for every millimetre and because of that the result is okay. I had some problems with grip in some passages so we tried other tyres for the second race. This also worked out well even if things were a bit wild at the beginning. I was the only one of the front group that did not crash and luckily I didn’t get caught up in it. I missed the win because of the defective sensor and the effect it had on the performance of the motor, which made me lose about a second per lap in the second half of the race. Of course I’m a bit upset, more than anything for the team because we were so competitive here. Because of this we’ll be fighting even harder in Assen.”
Didier van Keymeulen (DNS)
“I was really looking forward to Schleiz and I wanted to be fit again and right up front in the race on this circuit. This was why I was actually shocked at the medical report. I want to race – but at the moment I can’t and I have to accept the disappointment. In the end, being healthy again is the most important thing.”
Konrad Hefele – Team boss KTM Superbike Team Germany
“Unfortunately we were only able to start here with Stefan but everyone knows that it was better that way. With all the enthusiasm in the world the safety of the riders must be the priority. Get well soon Didi!” Stefan’s results were fantastic all weekend. We ere among the fastest, even though we had no test experience. That this was again good enough for another podium shows that we know that we are able to put our knowledge about the bike into better effect. As far as race two goes, without the defective sensor Stefan would have probably won. But there is no “if only” in motor racing. We therefore go to the next race in Assen in Holland just as motivated. “
Results Race One
1. Dario Giuseppetti, Germany, Ducati 1098 R, 29:16.989
2. Joerg Teuchert, Germany, Yamaha YZF-R1, 29:17.724
3. Werner Daemen, Belgium, BMW S 1000 RR, 29:20.071
3. Stefan Nebel, Germans, KTM RC8 R, 29:20.071 (tied for third)
5. Gabor Rizmayer, Hungary, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, 29:26.623
Results, Race Two
Gabor Rizmayer, Hungary, Suzuki GSX-R 1000, 29:12.559
2. Dario Giuseppetti, Germany, Ducati 1098 R, 29:16.871
Andreas Meklau, Austria, Yamaha YZF-R1, 29:18.295
4. Stefan Nebel, Germany, KTM RC8 R, 29:19.263
5. Julian Mazuecos, Spain, BMW S 1000 RR, 29:28.676
Championship standings
Joerg Teuchert, Germany, 216
2. Stefan Nebel, Germany, 156
3. Werner Daemen, Belgium, 144
4. Gabor Rizmayer, Hungary, 138
5. Arne Tode, Germany, 124
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