In Moto2, yes the 2019 grid is now finalized, there is a slight uncertainty over the effective presence of the CGBM team, a very French structure based a stone's throw from the Paul Ricard circuit, although often described as Swiss because of its team manager Fred Corminboeuf.
As we let it be understood, the financial problems of the team located in Signes were indeed the consequence of the defection of a sponsor, in this case the region of Andhra Pradesh in South India, as revealed in an article by Günther Wiesinger on the Germanic site speedweek.
Fred Corminboeuf: “Everything was late, and we were certain that we would only be able to finance the 2018 season at the end of January or beginning of February. I got the contract with Indian sponsor Andhra Pradesh after visiting the Indian embassy in Bern. I finalized it at the end of January 2018 at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Preparations for 2018 have been delayed. This is why we are behind schedule. Even the hospitality wasn't quite over at the first GP in Europe. I ran from Pontius to Pilatus in January and February 2018 to raise the necessary funds. As a result, this explains why we still had unpaid bills for 2017. The 2018 season was the most difficult of my life. I experienced many sleepless nights, I got sick, I couldn’t take a day off.”
In appropriate diplomatic language, Fred Corminboeuf then designates the person responsible…
“We have a clear contract with the provincial government of Andhra Pradesh. But suing government agencies is problematic.”
For the French structure, the future will therefore abandon India in favor of the United States, since the team should line up under the name American Team following a financial partnership with the manager of Joe Roberts.
Despite past difficulties, the motivation is still there, in particular thanks to the rise in power of the young person Iker Lecuona who reached the 2nd step of the podium at the last Grand Prix in Valencia after qualifying on the front row in Japan.
Fred Corminboeuf remains cautious but confident…
“I never said that Iker Lecuona was the new Marc Márquez. I have never made such comparisons. I just said that one day he could be very fast and have what it takes to become a world champion if he develops according to our ideas.”
Iker Lecuona, who has only just turned 19, was discovered in 2015 while competing in Supermoto in Spain. Since then, CGBM has always believed in himself despite more difficult periods due to serious falls.
Find here theinterview that we carried out at the end of 2016, while hopefully waiting for concrete and positive news regarding its future.
IKER LECUONA – SPANISH – SWISS INNOVATIVE INVESTORS – KTM
