IDM News: New World Championship contract, new IDM partnership and a split from the BSB

When it comes to the 2027 IDM, the ADAC officials – as the new promoters – will have their work cut out for them over the coming weeks. Current and former IDM riders are also busy planning for the future.

A short break from the World Championship for Twan Smits

For Dutchman Twan Smits, an exciting year came to an end last weekend. It all kicked off at the start of the year in the Euro Moto Superbike series, and after four consecutive wins, Yamaha Germany sent him to the final two races in the Superbike World Championship. Smits didn’t have it all his own way at the races in Estoril and Jerez. “2026 is sorted,” he said on Sunday evening. “We’re ending the season with a big step in the right direction. I’m very happy with the feeling and the positive races, both in the Superpole race and in Race 2. The pace was consistent, but still too slow overall for the group ahead of us. It’s been a few difficult weeks, but in the end we’ve taken a good step forward. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this journey possible. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to experience this paddock and have enjoyed every moment of it. Grazie a tutti!” And, as we know, his adventure isn’t over yet. Having signed for the Yamaha MotoXracing WorldSBK Team, he has already opened a new chapter in his career.

Ilya Mikhalchik moves on without BMW

After four IDM Superbike titles, Ilya Mikhalchik tried his luck in the British Championship in 2025 and, in his first year, secured the Superstock title. In 2026, he competed in the Superbike category on a Rokit BMW. Kyle Ryde was crowned champion that year with 596 points, ahead of Scott Redding with 550 points and Bradley Ray with 457 points. Mikhalchik scored a total of 102 points and finished 16th on his Superbike debut in the BSB. The Ukrainian has now announced his departure from BMW. “A chapter is coming to an end,” he explained. “Nine seasons with BMW. We’ve come a long way during these years: Eight teams, 54 wins, 95 podium finishes and five championship titles – results that are the fruit of an incredible amount of hard work. Many thanks to every team I’ve had the opportunity to race with, and to everyone who helped me achieve these results. Special thanks go to Team IWR for this season. It wasn’t an easy season, but it was one full of valuable experiences, lessons and moments that I will take with me as I move forward. Many thanks to BMW, and to everyone who has stood by me over the years.”

Markus Reiterberger joins forces with Ilmberger

Markus Reiterberger and Ilmberger Carbon will be joining forces from 2027. The IDM Superbike rider and World Endurance Champion will support the Bavarian company as a brand ambassador and new face of the brand, and has secured Ilmberger Carbon not only as a championship sponsor but also as a personal sponsor for his future racing career. Motorsport is deeply rooted in the history and identity of Ilmberger Carbon, and the company has been actively involved in supporting racing teams and riders worldwide for many years; from 2027, Markus Reiterberger will be part of this too.

“We’ve actually been working together for a long time,” notes the BMW rider. “In 2021, as part of my commitments in the IDM, I first came into contact with Ilmberger Carbon, who were already supporting all BMW series at that time. So I’ve been racing on Ilmberger parts for several years now. The connection then deepened because Julius Ilmberger Junior was racing for Werner Daemen in the Superstock class as part of the same team. After a few discussions, we decided it would be brilliant for a Bavarian company to have a Bavarian brand ambassador, and so from 2027 we intend to deepen our collaboration – not only as a team sponsor but also as a private sponsor on the one hand, and as a brand ambassador on the other. I am very grateful for the trust that Ilmberger Carbon has placed in me, and I look forward to supporting the company as its new face.”