Moto2 World Championship: Good luck, Domi Aegerter!
MOTORRAD Last year, Dominique Aegerter experienced a rollercoaster ride of emotions in the Moto2 World Championship. Things can only get better for him in 2018 - if the jovial Bernese rider can find the budget to use his KTM machine. In the summer of 2017, Dominique Aegerter celebrated what was supposed to be his second GP triumph in the rain at Misano. In second place, Tom Lüthi even ensured [...]
In the summer of 2017, Dominique Aegerter celebrated what was supposed to be his second GP triumph in the rain at Misano. In second place, Tom Lüthi even ensured a historic Swiss double victory in the motorcycle world championship.
Unfortunately, he is not included in the statistics because Aegerter's victory was retroactively disallowed. His engine oil contained a non-permitted additive. How this could happen remains a mystery. Although this did not contribute to the performance increase, it remained with the disqualification.
Unfortunately, Domi was not quite able to build on this top result. As if this were not enough, his team boss Stefan Kiefer died in the fall. A British investor then appeared to step in as financier, but the deal fell through shortly before Christmas.
As Aegerter revealed in an interview with the Berner Zeitung, there is still a faint hope. "He had and has the money from Russia, but he can't transfer it. If he transfers it to a KTM account by January 8, the deal stands."
But because the 27-year-old from Berne no longer believes in a belated Christmas miracle, he has long since forged plan B, according to the BZ. It is now a matter of financing the coming Moto2 season through major sponsors and private patrons.
Aegerter: "It did me a lot of good to feel this support. Many fans transferred money to me, from 100 to 5000 francs. My mother and brother are coordinating these actions. In addition, we are planning a crowdfunding."
According to Aegerter's calculation, about 600,000 francs are still needed. He does not dare to think about a failure of the financing. "I have to do well, then I'm more interesting," he clarifies in the BZ interview. "It's a difficult starting position, but we will fight hard, I won't give up that quickly."
Following Tom Lüthi's move to MotoGP, Dominique Aegerter will be the sole Swiss figurehead in the second-highest motorcycle class in 2018. Given his experience and the potential of the KTM machines and Kiefer Racing, anything can be expected of him.
Until the official tests in February, Aegerter is keeping fit with private training in Spain. "I have to be ready in 2018. This will be a very crucial year for my career." Good luck, Domi!
