König before IDM: It is important to find rhythm and stopping points in Most
Autodrom Most will host the IDM German International Championship this weekend, which will be complemented by the Sidecar World Championship. Fans will also be able to cheer on several Czech riders, including Oliver König. After two full seasons in the World Superbike Championship, he moved to IDM this spring, where he competes on a Ducati for the Hertrampf Racing team. So far, the season has not been going according to his expectations. Will he break his bad luck on his home track and get the necessary points?
How are you preparing for the upcoming IDM race in Most and what are your expectations?
I'm preparing for the IDM race in Most like any other. Since it's being held on my home track, I'm trying to take everything a little more calmly. The race weekend was also complicated by a pleasant event - my sister's wedding is on Saturday, which I want to attend. After qualifying, I have to travel to the wedding. I won't be back until Sunday before the warm-up. It will be a bit hectic, but I don't want to miss this family event. It means a lot to me.
How big is the difference between racing in IDM and WorldSBK?
I'm not able to fully evaluate this yet. The quality of IDM is huge and the guys at the front would definitely deserve a seat in the superbikes. They would definitely not be ashamed there.
Why did you decide to finally withdraw your application for a wild card for WorldSBK in Most?
We eventually withdrew the request for several reasons. I don't feel like it yet, also because of how the current season is going. It's not something that would cost a small amount. I'm sorry, but I take it responsibly towards my partners. I want to fully focus on IDM now.
How would you characterize the Most track and what is most important for a rider to achieve a good result here?
The Most track is very nice, it has technical, fast and smooth sections. There is a bit of everything there. But there are also treacherous places and if you make a mistake there, your whole lap is ruined. It also depends on what category you are racing in. For example, in the lowest 300cc category you want to think, in superbikes you mainly don't want to make mistakes. In Most it is important to find a rhythm and the right braking points. And to ride all the laps the same.
What potential do you see in the new Ducati?
Unfortunately, in the four races I've taken so far, I haven't seen the finish line once. Once it was my riding mistake, and three times I was stopped by a technical error. I hope that the bad luck that has been with me for a while will leave me in Most. And that it will be good. The Ducati certainly has potential. The bike has to catch up, we started from scratch.
Sticker 3D silhouette of a racetrack
