Kawasaki WorldSSP Team riders Jeremy Alcoba and Dominique Aegerter got their WorldSSP race season back underway for real on Saturday afternoon at Magny-Cours, with Jeremy securing a championship point despite an early collision and subsequent crash in Race One.
In Superpole qualifying, held on Friday 4 September, Alcoba was on great form, taking fifth place in the timesheets for a second row starting position. Aegerter placed himself inside the top half of the grid, in 15th place overall.
Race One would prove to be initially unlucky for Alcoba. Entering the Adelaide Chicane on the second lap, Jeremy was committed to his braking point and chosen racing line, but there was a slow-speed collision with Albert Arenas’s machine at the corner apex and both riders fell.
Jeremy was able to get going again, albeit right at the back, and started to work his way through much of the field. He would end up setting a regular pace similar to many of the leading riders.
On his Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R 636, Alcoba would eventually pass one last competitor on the 19th and final lap to earn a championship point after a day of great effort in challenging circumstances.
Dominique was eventually 17th after the 19 laps had concluded, having been up as high as 11th in the early stages as he battled with other riders. Unable to keep up a comparable pace for the whole race, he finished up in 17th position, with a small gap to the riders both in front and behind him.
Aegerter looks forward to another chance to secure points in the second race of the Magny-Cours weekend, which will be held on Sunday 6 September.
Manuel Puccetti
“It was a pity about Alcoba’s race, as he was showing the potential to reach the podium, if not actually win the race, but a contact with another rider prevented that from happening. Aegerter is still struggling unfortunately, but he and the team will keep fighting and working to achieve the kind of results they deserve.”
Jeremy Alcoba
“This was not the result that we expected as we had a crash after two laps. I lost everything and I was last. I was able to get back on the bike again and I tried to recover as many places as possible. It was a shame because after I saw the race pace, we could have fought for the podium, or the top four. I am happy for that, and luckily we have another race tomorrow. Thanks to the team and see you tomorrow for Race Two.”
Dominique Aegerter
“We missed the points with a P17 finish. I am very disappointed and I need to say sorry to the team and all the sponsors and fans. I gave my best all the race but I was stuck in slow lap times. We worked hard with the team to try to find a little bit better solution to give me a better feeling. We won’t give up, thanks for your support, and we will keep working to be motivated for Sunday’s race. It may not be easy but I hope we can get some points or even a top ten. I won’t give up and I believe in our project.”
