Max Stauffer’s European debut with three motorbikes in two series

With his first full season in Euro Moto – which will return as the IDM from next year – Max Stauffer has had an intense year in 2026. The Australian, who had already been crowned dirt track champion twice in his home country, not only had to get used to new circuits and unfamiliar surroundings, but also had to switch between the Yamaha R7, R9 and R1 over the course of the season. This challenge tested the rider’s skills – having previously competed in the Australian and American championships – whilst also providing him with valuable experience for his future career in Europe.

IDM was his first stop in Europe

He has fond memories of working with the Dutch Apreco team. “It was brilliant to work with such a professional team. There’s no one I’d rather have done it with,” says Max Stauffer, looking back on the season. The support of his team made his entry into European racing a special experience for him. Even though adapting to the new conditions wasn’t always easy, he appreciated having such a professional environment by his side.

On the track, the Australian had to face several challenges. In addition to the numerous new circuits, the switch between the different categories in particular placed high demands on his ability to adapt. At the start of the season, he carried out important development work on the Yamaha R7 in the Sportbike class, before switching to the R9 at Assen and competing in the Supersport category. In addition, the Australian contested the World Endurance Championship races on the Yamaha R1.

From sportbike to superbike

“The biggest adjustment was the riding style,” says Stauffer, summarising the numerous changes. “Not only between the R7 and the R9, but also with the R1, I had to keep adapting in order to be as fast as possible on all three motorbikes.”

The race circuits in Europe were also uncharted territory for the 22-year-old. He encountered a few surprises along the way. The circuit in Most, Czech Republic, in particular, turned out to be an unexpected favourite. “I always thought I wouldn’t particularly like the circuit. In the end, it turned out to be one of my favourites,” he says. Such experiences were just as much a part of his first year in Euro Moto as the challenge of becoming competitive as quickly as possible on unfamiliar circuits.

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Stauffer sees this as a key area of personal progress. Over the course of the season, he worked specifically on learning new circuits more quickly and finding his pace sooner. “Above all, I worked on getting to know a track and building up speed as quickly as possible,” he says, describing his development. This was a particularly important skill, given the many new circuits and the changing motorbikes. However, the Australian is not entirely satisfied with his racing results.

Europe instead of Australia

His own ambition is to race as far up the field as possible and get the most out of his potential. He was not yet able to achieve this goal as he had hoped in his first season in Europe. Nevertheless, he does not want to reduce the experience he has gained to just a few individual aspects. “I don’t think there’s one specific thing that stands out in particular. Everything has made me a better rider,” he says, looking back. The Yamaha rider has clear ambitions for his future. “Of course, I’d like to continue my career in Europe. And I’d like to be competitive and race right at the front.” He hasn’t yet revealed in which championship he’ll be doing so.