"Could be something": Ex-pilot gives German fans hope

According to former rider and team boss Dirk Heidolf, German motorcycle fans will soon be able to cheer on a fellow countryman again. In particular, the 48-year-old believes his protégé Fynn Kratochwil is capable of making the leap into the world championship. The talented youngster from Mühlhausen in Thuringia has won five out of six races in the Northern Talent Cup junior series so far this season and also made a promising start to the home weekend at the Sachsenring.

"You have to be ready in your head to turn this pressure into motivation," said Kratochwil about how he deals with the high hopes placed in him. He justified the expectations in the qualifying on Friday evening. He secured first place on the grid with a lead of more than half a second.

"I am firmly convinced that we could do something with him again. We urgently need it. Everyone is panting for a German driver," said Heidolf about the 14-year-old, whom he trains and advises. "He is one of the greatest talents we have."

Part of the ADAC support program

Kratochwil goes to grammar school and is not only racing this season in the Northern Talent Cup, a racing series for young riders sponsored by the ADAC, Honda and MotoGP rights holder Dorna. He is part of the ADAC support program and is also competing in the European Talent Cup. Long-time Marc Marquez manager Emilio Alzamora is his team principal there. "This is the biggest training stage. He can open many doors for us," said Heidolf about the former 125cc world champion from Spain.

In the short term, Kratochwil and Heidolf dream of making the leap into the Red Bull Rookies Cup. This series is regarded as a preliminary stage to the World Championship, in which no German rider has been represented across all classes for two years. However, it could be that this step comes a little too early for Kratochwil due to his young age.

"But I'm sure that it won't be for lack of success. He has to stay injury-free," said Heidolf, adding: "You can see the ambition, the bite and the will - it's there. It's unbelievable. Fynn is on fire for motorcycling. You have to slow him down to keep him hungry."