It’s a Jesko Raffin diminished by a flu condition which presented itself on the Jerez track, the fourth meeting of the year for a Spanish Grand Prix which marks the return of the pilots to Europe. Without strength, he was unable to deliver his best score and it was only at the 27rd place that the Garage Plus Interwetten pilot finished on a Friday initially marked by rain before clearings:
“I traveled on Wednesday and started feeling pain all over my body. It's a serious cold, I have no strength, no reserves » regrets the Swiss. “ This morning, in the rain, it wasn't very boring yet, because in these conditions you have to drive much more smoothly, without exerting yourself physically. But this afternoon it was more severe: I of course went through the mobile clinic, I was given some remedies and I immediately left the circuit to go rest at the hotel and drink a lot of tea. I really hope I'll be better tomorrow morning »
Jesko's health improved slightly for a crucial Saturday ahead of qualifying. Although still lacking in strength and power, the Garage Plus driver gave everything to win the 26rd position on the starting grid: “ It's not as bad as yesterday, but I'm definitely not 100%. I lack strength, long turns are difficult for me » commented the Swiss.
“The race will be very long – 25 laps – when you know that today, after seven or eight laps, I was already feeling cramps. But I also know that a lot can happen in Jerez when it's this hot; it will therefore be necessary to hold on. In today's physical state, my goal is already a top 20. If my health continues to improve until tomorrow, it will be, as always, the points, i.e. a place among the fifteen first »
It was therefore very tired that Jesko launched into the battle for the Spanish Grand Prix. A fight that he first waged against himself and which he won by bringing his bike, exhausted, to the checkered flag with a twentieth place.
“To ride a Moto2 today you have to be 100% fit and not 100% sick. To fight with the best drivers in the world, you have to be able to commit fully; otherwise, it's very, very difficult » recalls Jesko. “ It's a shame of course. Due to my state of health, we were unable to work normally this weekend and now I have to recover completely to prepare for Le Mans, a circuit that I like. I hope it will be warm in Zurich. In the warm-up, I saw some interesting things; we are definitely in the running to play for points in each race but for that, we must not be diminished like I was this weekend »
Revenge at Le Mans, from May 19.
