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For Dominique Aegerter, almost abnormal conditions on Sunday in Italy were the biggest hurdle to overcome.

Teams and riders of the top-class Superbike World Championship were not to be envied this weekend. The second main race on Sunday afternoon took place in temperatures of almost 40 degrees in the air and up to 60 degrees on the asphalt. Added to this was the heat of the racing machines, which the riders had to endure.

Dominique Aegerter started race Sunday in Imola with a 14th place in Superpole Race, which was already held in oppressive heat. Subsequently, the distance of the second main race was shortened from 19 to 15 laps, which also affected the starting procedure. Aegerter was not the only one who gladly accepted both measures. Coming from fifth row, the Yamaha rider was always placed in the midfield and ended up in twelfth place after 15 sweaty laps.

The championship continues in two weeks in Most in the Czech Republic.

#77 Dominique AEGERTER (GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK, Yamaha YZF R1)
Grid position 12 / Superpole-Race: P14 / Grid position 12 / Race 2: P12

"Unfortunately, we did not get the results today that we had hoped for. The sprint race was for us a test in a way, because we tried to set up the bike a little differently. But it was a battle from start to finish and I could not get past 14th place. Nevertheless, I was able to start the second race from twelfth on the grid, which was not exactly ideal because things are always wild in the midfield. Compared to the first race, my feeling was a bit better today. The distance was shortened by four laps because of the blatant conditions. Nevertheless, the 15 laps were incredibly physically demanding. I think I had a better pace than Xavi Vierge, but it was difficult to overtake him because he was very fast in some parts of the track. Still, I managed to overtake him once or twice, but I had to make a wide turn each time, so he passed me right back. Later Remy (Gardner) and Iker Lecuona also overtook me."

"That is why I am not entirely satisfied with twelfth place. On the other hand, it was important to do these number of laps in a row to collect data and get feedback. But above all to regain confidence after I had to retire yesterday due to a problem. Imola was a new track for me. Nevertheless, I had expected better results. Next up is Most, where I know the track from the last two years with the Supersport bike. Finally, a big thank you to all the sponsors and fans who did not miss Imola despite the heat and gave me great support. That gave me strong motivation. But now I need a short break because the last few days have demanded everything from my body, plus the freshly operated arm has caused slight difficulties. So, we have to find a solution how I can ride the bike a bit smoother."

#ITAWorldSBK - Superpole-Race (10 Laps):
1 Toprak RAZGATLIOGLU / TUR / Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK / Yamaha YZF R1 / 17´49.590
2 Alvaro BAUTISTA / SPA / Aruba.it Racing - Ducati / Ducati Panigale V4R / +0.144
3 Andrea LOCATELLI / ITA / Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK / Yamaha YZF R1 / +1.720
14 #77 Dominique AEGERTER / SWI / GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK / Yamaha YZF R1 / 16.337

#ITAWorldSBK - Race 2 (15 Laps):
1 Toprak RAZGATLIOGLU / TUR / Pata Yamaha Prometeon WorldSBK / Yamaha YZF R1 / 27´00.997
2 Axel BASSANI / ITA / Motocorsa Racing / Ducati Panigale V4R / +1.966
3 Jonathan REA / GBR / Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK / Kawasaki ZX-10RR / +2.458
12 #77 Dominique AEGERTER / SWI / GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK / Yamaha YZF R1 / +25.082

WorldSBK Standing:
1 Alvaro BAUTISTA / SPA / Ducati / 391
2 Toprak RAZGATLIOGLU / TUR / Yamaha / 321
3 Andrea LOCATELLI / ITA / Yamaha / 208
9 #77 Dominique AEGERTER / SWI / Yamaha / 101