In the case between David Pickworth, buyer of the Kiefer team, and KTM, things seem to be evolving from hour to hour...
Recall of facts :
David Pickworth, ex-driver, ex-agent and now investment banker, is trying to buy the team
Kiefer Moto2 with money from mysterious Russian investors. KTM agrees to provide the motorcycles because the pilots will be Sandra Cortese et
Dominique Aegerter. Everything seems tied up...
But on the desired date (50th week 2017), the money is not there and David Pickworth broadcasts an apology message (see here), while still hoping to find a solution in the coming days.
To avoid leaving the two riders behind, Dorna, KTM and even Suter are ready to find a solution…
To KTM, which, according to the words of Carlos Ezpeleta (“son of”, manages a lot of things in GP, including the Moto2 and Moto3 grids) reported by the site speedweek, agrees to postpone his ultimatum for a few days: “I don’t know Pickworth personally. But currently he is not answering my phone calls. I think he has no excuse. I worry about Sandro and of course Domi Aegerter and Jochen Kiefer. The German market is important to us, it is our concern. I spoke to Jens Hainbach from KTM. He assured me that they can still build motorcycles for Sandro and Domi if a bank guarantee from Pickworth arrives in a few days. But no one believes it anymore. Maybe Aegerter can raise enough money with Kiefer to fund his Moto2 season. On Dorna's side, we will do everything in our power. I try to help everyone. The current situation affects me. But of course we can't put 2 million euros for two drivers on the table. But we can try to find a place in another team for Sandro. »
It is also envisaged that Kiefer could continue with Suter, since this solution (rental) is less expensive than the agreement with KTM.
Maurizio BäumleCEO Suter Industries: “What happened there is a tragedy and I am very sorry for Jochen Kiefer. We could provide equipment, but only if the financing is clean. A year like 2017 is no longer possible. However, since KTM is the clear preference for Kiefer's team, the question would be whether it makes sense for us to represent an alternative. No one has asked anything yet. This is why we are not concerned about it at the moment. »
Whatever it is, the solution will have to be found in the next few days, because with the holidays, the first 2018 tests are almost already tomorrow...
