WSBK wildcard outperforming some of the big names in IDM
Markus, good to see you returning to the WSBK-paddock with a wildcard ride at the Nurburgring. Excited?
"Yeah, I am definitely more than excited! The first testing sessions with our bike went pretty ok and I am looking forward to have the chance of contesting a WSBK round. At this point I want to thank everybody so much."
Last year you earned a FIM Superstock 1000 Cup podium at Germany - your first and only rostrum finish so far in that series. What do you think is possible in the World Superbikes at the same venue?
"Yes last year I got my only STK1000 podium here. I like the Ring and it suits me pretty good. I think the main target will be to show that our team and I are doing a good job, that we are professional and that we give a good account of ourselves. My aim is not to ride behind but to outperform some of the big names."
How big are the differences between the BMW S 1000 RR you use at the IDM (International German Championship) and the one you will be riding at the Nurburgring?
"Biggest differences will be at the engine and the suspension. My IDM-BMW already has a good amount of power, but the World Championship bike has brutal horsepower, this is awesome. The suspension is giving me a good feedback and it's very sensitive as well. Electronics and tyres will be on a similar level than at the IDM. The sitting position is a little bit too small for me, but it's ok."
You are leading the German Superbike Championship at the moment. Could one say that this one-off ride is a test for your future? Could you imagine a full time WSBK ride in 2014?
"Yes of course, this wildcard ride will give us a clue of where we are at world level and if we can be competitive. Obviously it won't be easy, as we are lacking a bit of experience compared to the other teams in the World Championship. But we want to mind our Ps and Qs. I could imagine myself riding WSBK, preferably on a BMW. A rider from Bavaria, wearing Bavarian clothes on a Bavarian bike - and my super team around my chief Werner Daemen - this would be a dream come true. But on the one hand this will depend on how we perform during the rest of the season and on the other hand if we can get the financial backing."
Photo by Toni Börner
