Interview to Dominique Aegerter - Rider Moto 2

Before becoming a pilot in Moto 2 category, Dominique Aegerter, started his career in motocross. He also rode in the ADAC Junior Cup and in the 125 cc in German Championship in 2005.

In 2006, the team Multimedia Racing offered him to ride in 125 cc World championship where he substituted for the lasts races of the Championship, his countryman, Vincent Braillard and he became one year later, the official pilot in this team.

In 2008, he rode in Ajo Motorsport team and was 16th in official classification. In 2009, he stayed in the same team with Sandro Cortese as teammate. This year, Dominique improved his results and was 13rd in the final classification.

He has been driving since 2010 for the team Technomag-CIP and has had very good results by being classified in top 10 since then.

Ambitious and talented pilot, we met Dominique Aegerter at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show.

You did a good season. You always fix objectives and you reach them. In 2011 for example you wanted to finish in top 10 and have a podium. You did it: 3rd in Valencia and 8th position in the classification. In 2012 objectives more ambitious and you did it too. You also were the first pilot of Moto 2 category who finished all races. What are your objectives for this new season? My objectives are to finish all races in top 5 and also to do more podiums. Last year I wanted to go two or three times on podium but unfortunately, I was not able to do it.
You work in a team 100% Swiss; it is a good situation for a Swiss pilot but is also a big challenge? The mechanics are French, Spanish and Italian. But yes, we are two Swiss riders, we have a Swiss bike, Swiss Sponsors, the team chief is Swiss. For us is very good because we also have a part of our public in Switzerland but we don’t have circuits in Switzerland. So for us, it’s a little bit difficult to train. But I’m really happy to ride in this team because I already know it and I feel good with my team.

How do you train during the off season? During the break I do a lot of gym. I also swim a lot, do jogging and do bike. Usually in January and February we train by doing some motocross and super motocross, until February where we go for the first time on the Moto 2 bike.
During tests in Spain, despite the weather, you were 8th. How would you improve this result in the IRTA tests which are going to take place by the end of March? I hope I can go faster. My objective is to be in top 5 but I would also like to finish the test in top 5. In the IRTA tests we are with the official engines so we can have a better vision about the time we can do.

What has changed on the bike this new season compared to the last one? I already used the chassis last year for the end of season. But Suter developed new parts like the back seat or the foot rest. There are also new suspensions and now we are just setting the bikes to be better and to go faster.
What is your best moment in your career? For sure it is the podium in Valencia because it is my best result in World championship. However, every race is special and different and you learn every time more and have more experience.
Let’s talk about your Fan Club : Domi Fighters It’s my personal Fan Club and most of people from the Fan Club live in Switzerland. They come every year for one race to see me and support me.
Is there a pilot that you admire? Valentino Rossi has the highest level of a motorcycle rider because he has won a lot of times. There is also Stoner who is a good rider. Now I see that Marquez is very fast. I rode 2 years with him and it’s nice to see how a pilot can improve his way of driving.
Do you have some rituals before a race, are you superstitious? I have some rituals but it is not like I need to do them because if I don’t do I can’t ride the bike. Before the race starts, I always take 45 minutes before it, to go to my room or to my camper to stretch a little bit.
What do you like to do during your free time while you are not on tracks? I like a lot doing motocross, supermotard or go-kart. I like a lot doing sport. When I don’t do sport, I like chillin’ a little bit at home and go out with my friends.
What is the program of the team before the season starts? Last week we had the team presentation to the Geneva Motor show. Now we are going to prepare a little bit the workshops, the bike and the cases for materials in Le Castellet. We will go to Alcaraz, where we have 2 days of tests there before the IRTA tests. After the IRTA tests, we will prepare to go to Qatar the 1st of April. I have a little bit free time before to go there. It’s good to have another session of tests because we can set up the bikes, to have the rhythm and go a little bit faster. And for sure, I’m ready for the first race.