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After a mixed 2018 season, Dominique Aegerter looks forward to the opening race of this year’s World Championship this weekend at the unique desert track.

With the start of the championship, a new chapter in Dominique Aegerter’s career is set to get opened. But previously, his move to Forward Racing which has its team base in the Swiss region of Ticino, the return of the world-famous MV Agusta brand to grand prix racing was heralded. The ambitious rider from the canton of Bern wants to make his decisive contribution to reviving the glory times of MV Agusta and the mid of the 1960s to the 1970s years.

The current World Championship calendar includes again 19 races. As in previous years, the opening race takes place under the impressive floodlights of the Losail circuit. With regards to technical rules, there are some innovations or changes. The most important fact is the new engine supplied by Triumph. This 765cc three-cylinder unit coming from the traditional English brand replaces the former 600cc Honda engines and offers more horse power. A no less important change concerns the time schedule of a race weekend. For Moto2 and Moto3 classes, the qualifying format has been adapted to that one of the premier class MotoGP, with the difference that the first 14 fastest riders after the three free practice sessions make it through Q2 whereas in Q1 the four fastest riders will make the step into Q2.

#77 Dominique AEGERTER (MV Agusta Idealavoro Forward, MV Agusta F2):

"I’m looking forward to the start of the championship and, of course, to this new challenge for me as well. During the pre-season we gained lots of experienced with the new bike, but we know that we have a long way to go. Still, I’m glad it’s going with the first race now. I’m looking forward to this task with my new team. At the same time, I’m also a bit proud to be part of this project on the return of MV Agusta after 42 years. I think we’re already well equipped to kick-off and ready to give everything to help this traditional brand with that sonorous name to success again. What’s more, I feel mentally and physically in best shape as my preparation was really great. Therefore, I can’t wait if things get serious from Friday on. However, as I said, we are still in a ongoing development process, so it will take a bit of time to race amongst the front riders. But I’m very ready to take that on myself and bring this project forward."

Stats Loasil International Circuit:
First time venue of the GP Qatar: 2004
Length: 5.380 meters
Width: 12 meters
Longest straight: 1.068 meters
Left corners: 6
Right corners: 10
Beste Moto2™ Pole-Position: 1´59.052 (2016)
Moto2™ Lap record: 1´59.421 (2016)
Dominique Aegerter’s results 2018: Grid 21 / 15.

#QatarGP Moto2™ Time Schedule (MEZ):
Friday, 08. March: 12:45 - 13:25 FP1
Friday, 08. March: 17:05 - 17:50 FP2
Saturday, 09. March: 12:20 -13:00 FP3
Saturday, 09. March: 16:25 - 16:40 Q1
Saturday, 09. March: 16:50 - 17:05 Q2
Sunday, 10. March: 13:10 - 13:30 Warm-Up
Sunday, 10. March: 16:20 Race (20 Kaps - 107.6 km)