A large movement of solidarity allowed the Swiss pilot to receive 253 Swiss francs (or approximately 327 euros today) and to be able to continue his season in the middle of a mountain of difficulties.
It was on October 27 that Stefan Kiefer, the boss and owner of the Kiefer Racing team, died in his hotel room overnight in Sepang, during the Malaysian Grand Prix. Beyond the trauma, it was then necessary to proceed with the succession, which is never easy, especially since the team had to be sold to the British David Pickworth who wanted to invest money from Russia, which no one never lives.
Jochen Kiefer, the brother of the deceased Stefan, took over the team on his own, but with very few resources, hence the obligation to only race one rider in 2018. KTM made a very nice gesture by providing a of its highly requested Moto2 chassis in solidarity with Kiefer and Aegerter. With a total of 253 francs collected, the fundraising project Dominique Aegerter is the most successful by an individual Swiss athlete. It even surpasses all previous actions of athletes around the world. Furthermore, never before had such a project been able to cross the 100 francs mark in the space of three days and the 000 francs mark in twelve days.
1497 supporters believe in Dominique and have ensured the future of his career with their support. For example, Aegerter's helmet, 50 signed sliders or 435 T-shirts found their way to fans and supporters. 59 people did not miss the opportunity to challenge the Moto2 driver in a go-kart race and one happy person will even accompany Domi on a race as a “grid girl”.
“I have always believed in my fans and in the Swiss sports community, but I was surprised by this success, it means a lot to me and I am very grateful to them » thanked Aegerter.
Nick Gast, CEO of the crowdfunding platform “I believe in you”, is also delighted: “ This project shows how important supporting sport is for the Swiss population and how crowdfunding with a common goal and common use can be successfully activated »
However, Moto2 team Kiefer Racing is still looking for a main sponsor. “ From 200 euros you can be our main sponsor, we can also offer you a link with the name of the team, as was the case with Viessmann Kiefer Racing » explained team boss Jochen Kiefer.
The beginnings were difficult because “ Unfortunately, the conditions for this test were not optimal on any of the three days, explained Dominique in Valence in mid-February. But on the first day we had a good ride despite the cold and constant rain, so it was not possible to adjust my riding position on the bike. The temperatures were still very cold, but I could see some positives, the bike is very stable on the brakes and there is plenty of grip, while there is still a lack of cornering speed which we do not We have not been able to eradicate it completely. So I have to take even more risks. »
The second test in Jerez was not easier because “alas, our second test also started with variable weather, but the last two days were very positive for us, and we were able to improve steadily, although we did not get the progress we wanted, but each outing has provided more information, said the Swiss. I'm happy with my surroundings, we are doing a good job as a small team and we have very good support from KTM and WP, and working with my new team leader Toni (Gruschka) is of course improving. I also need to adapt my riding style to the KTM.
“So far, we are not yet where we should be. But I worked at home before this test and the team did its job too. During the break, I trained a lot, analyzed the tests and prepared myself mentally. But to really move forward, you have to drive. »
The biggest problem with the KTM for Aegerter is corner entry: “It’s about turning with the brake, and from the middle of the curve. We are not yet strong enough in this area. We were far away, but we only had two or three days to work properly. For the private test in Almeria I could not drive due to bad weather. In addition, I need to adapt my riding style even better to the demands of the KTM. I can't drive it like a Suter. »
Dominique is currently participating for 3 days in the Jerez tests. During the first day (this Tuesday), he occupied twenty-fourth position (see below) 2 seconds behind Francesco Bagnaia.
Jerez Moto2 test results, day one:
1. Francesco Bagnaia (Kalex) 1:42.443 min
2. Iker Lecuona (KTM) +0.248 sec
3. Romano Fenati (Kalex) +0.332
4. Alex Marquez (Kalex) +0.347
5. Lorenzo Baldassarri (Kalex) +0.387
6. Xavi Virgo (Kalex) +0.411
7. Luca Marini (Kalex) +0.491
8. Miguel Oliveira (KTM) +0.529
9. Sam Lowes (KTM) +0.568
10. Marcel Schrötter (Kalex) +0.776
11. Jorge Navarro (Kalex) +0.800
12. Mattia Pasini (Kalex) +0.913
13. Héctor Barbera (Kalex) +0.991
14. Danny Kent (Speed Up) +1.005
15. Steven Odendaal (NTS) +1.053
16. Fabio Quartararo (Speed Up) +1.090
17 Brad Binder (KTM) +1.109
18. Joe Roberts (NTS) +1.208
19. Remy Gardner (Tech3) +1.328
20. Bo Bendsneyder (Tech3) +1.419
21. Eric Granado (Suter) +1.454
22. Khairul Idham Pawi (Kalex) +1.521
23. Andrea Locatelli (Kalex) +1.719
24. Dominique Aegerter (KTM) +2.017
25. Tetsuta Nagashima (Kalex) +2.099
26. Stefano Manzi (Suter) +2.107
27. Jules Danilo (Kalex) +2.755
28. Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Kalex) +3.275
Photos © Kiefer Racing and Dominique Aegerter personally
Source: speedweek
