After the British businessman signaled his intention to buy the 2 German Moto2011 World Champion team with Stefan Bradl, the reactions were rather positive, such as that of Dorna which was pleased to keep Sandro Cortese among its pilots, very useful in negotiations with overseas television. Then difficulties arose due to the tragic death of Stefan Kiefer during the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Pickworth had already been to several races before, and the purchase of the team with Russian money seemed finalized with Dominique Aegerter et Sandra Cortese as riders for 2018, on KTMs. A pre-agreement for transfer had been signed, which had to be modified during the unexpected succession which complicated things.
David Pickworth explained to Günther Wiesinger about Speedweek. com that he was waiting for a document from Jochen Kiefer. “ I received papers from Jochen Kiefer's lawyer who assured me that Jochen had the authority to sell the team to us and sign. I have given these documents to my lawyer and I am waiting for his green light. »
On the supplier side KTM, Jens Hainbach, vice president of Motorsports Road Racing, does not intend to show infinite patience: “ Next week the story must be wrapped up or we won't be involved anymore ". But the KTM Moto2 order period expired on November 29. According to Hainbach, “ However, we are ready to compromise in the interests of the pilots ". David Pickworth has no worries in this area: "I will go to Munderfing on Tuesday or Wednesday and sign the contract with KTM."
Sandro Cortese is half reassured: “ I hope everything will be signed next week ". Dominique Aegerter’s manager, Dr. Robert Siegrist, is more aggressive, and Pickworth would not comment: “ I prefer not to say anything about this story. »
On the other hand, the future owner of Kiefer Racing is in contact with Domi Aegerter. “I told him that his rider contract is part of my contract with Kiefer Racing, I cannot buy Kiefer without Domi for the 2 Moto2018 World Championship. He is one hundred percent with us.
“Domi called me this week, and I explained to him : " You're asking me to invest millions of dollars in a team, but I can only do that if I can't prove to my investors that the people selling me the team have the authority to do so. I can't go to my boss and tell him “I spent a few million on this team, but unfortunately I discovered too late that the person I was talking to was not authorized to sign.” If I did that, I'd be pretty stupid and lose my job. I want it to be done correctly. I must first be in possession of Kiefer Racing to sign driver contracts. »
Photos © motogp.com, Dorna, Kiefer Racing
Source: Speedweek. com
