BMW starts with a quartet in IDM Superbike 2025
Points as part of the International German Motorcycle Championship IDM will not be awarded until May 2025. But Team Masteroil-Alpha-Van Zon-BMW, owned by Belgian Werner Daemen, is already preparing for the new season. Last year, the BMW team with Ukrainian Ilya Mikhalchik once again took the title in Germany’s top motorcycle racing category, the ninth team success overall. The team also ended 2024 in first place in the manufacturers’ championship. In the upcoming 2025 season, the team Masteroil-Alpha-Van Zon-BMW wants to reach for the double victory again.
‘We are sending two top riders into the race,’ explains team manager Werner Daemen. Leandro “Tati” Mercado from Argentina and Hannes Soomer from Estonia will fight for points and victories for BMW. Even though Soomer, who has already competed in the World Cup, will once again be wearing his distinctive blue outfit for IDM races, he is fully integrated into Daemen’s IDM team. ‘I’m very happy to stay with BMW for a second year and to be part of Werner’s team this season,’ the Estonian assures. ’Werner Daemen’s MRP team has been the most successful team in the IDM Superbike in recent years and for me it is the best chance to fight for the championship. I will have familiar faces in the box, combined with the team’s experience and expertise, so I am sure I will have a successful season.’
Leandro Mercado, on the other hand, is breaking new ground with BMW. The former Superbike World Cup rider is already very familiar with the IDM, but this will be his first time with the Munich-based manufacturer. With his experience, the Argentine is expected to follow in the footsteps of championship-winning predecessors Markus Reiterberger and Ilya Mikhalchik in the team and go for the title. He will be supported by his former Kawasaki team manager Emil Weber. ‘I’m very happy to join Werner Daemen’s team,’ explains Mercado. ‘It is a leading team in the championship with many titles. It will be very special to be part of the BMW family and to ride the BMW M 1000 RR. I have been waiting a long time for this opportunity, so I am very excited. I can’t wait for the season to start and I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible, especially Emil Weber and Werner for their trust in me.’
The two young riders Milan Merckelbagh (NL) and Bálint Kovács from Hungary are expected to make a positive impression in the IDM. The contract with Merckelbagh is already in place. ‘Things are looking good with Bálint,’ says Daemen. ‘All that’s missing is the signature on the contract extension. Soma Görbe supported by his Hungarian team will be competing in the IDM Superbike for the first time. The Masteroil-Alpha-Van Zon-BWM team will also be competing in Pro Superstock 1000, where Dutchman Ricardo Brink will be competing for the title with BMW and German Julius Ilmberger will be earning more experience in the direction to IDM.
The first test will take place in March 2025 at Valencia, Spain, before the IDM gets down to business for the first time at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben from 9th to 11th May.
