Aegerter extends WorldSBK contract with Yamaha
Dominique Aegerter will remain in the FIM Superbike World Championship with Yamaha for at least one more season after signing a contract extension in August.
The 33-year-old Swiss inked the new one-year deal after the Czech WorldSBK round, where he had 8th, 11th and 11th results across the three races. At time of writing, Aegerter’s best finish in his debut WorldSBK season has been fourth in Race 2 at Assen, but he has been the best-placed independent team rider on three occasions.
Aegerter joined GYTR GRT Yamaha WorldSBK this year after winning the FIM Supersport World Championship with Ten Kate Yamaha WorldSSP in 2021 and 2022. Aegerter has also been in the Grand Prix paddock, across Moto3, Moto2 and MotoE championship classes, winning the latter in 2022.
“It’s been a pleasure for us to see our double Supersport World Champion, Dominique, adapting so quickly to WorldSBK,” said Andrea Dosoli: Road Racing Manager, Yamaha Motor Europe.
“He has impressed us all, starting from the first race, where he put in a phenomenal qualifying performance to secure a front-row start. I don’t think there is a better way to introduce yourself to your teammates and rivals!
“His progression since has been solid, improving every weekend and finishing as the top independent rider in three races so far. I am confident that he will add to this number before the end of the year, which is why I am pleased to announce the extension of the current agreement for a further season.”
Now that his place on the WorldSBK grid with the satellite Yamaha team is locked in for 2024 , Aegerter says his aim is to be one of the frontrunners, fighting regularly for top-three finishes.
“I’m happy and proud to have extended my agreement with Yamaha to stay in WorldSBK with my R1 in 2024,” Aegerter said. “I have two WorldSSP titles with Yamaha, but my aim is to improve my results and be more competitive in WorldSBK, and I’ll give my best to achieve that goal.
“My season started quite well as a rookie, and although I haven’t been on the podium yet, I’ve had some great battles on track that have taught me a lot. I want to be at the front regularly, and that will be my focus for next season.
“I’d like to thank Yamaha for their continued faith in me and everyone who has helped put me in this position. I would especially like to remember Mirko Giansanti (who passed away in August) who played an invaluable role in the GRT Yamaha Team.”
Aegerter’s Aussie team mate at GYTR GRT Yamaha, Remy Gardner, switched to WorldSBK this year after winning the 2021 Moto2 World Championship and spending the 2022 season in MotoGP with KTM.
At time of writing, Gardner’s best race result has been sixth, achieved at the Dutch and Czech WorldSBK rounds. As of the conclusion of the Czech round, Aegerter was ninth in the championship (third in the independent riders class) and Gardner twelfth.
