The 2019 Sachsenring GP will witness history of the world of motor racing. In addition to presenting the race in the Moto3 and Moto2 class, it also became the opening series of the start of the FIM Enel MotoE electric motorbike race. A total of 18 riders will compete with each other using environmentally friendly racing motors. The race itself will still be held on Sunday, precisely between MotoGP warm-up sessions and Moto3 racing.
One of the MotoE riders, Bradley Smith, who is also a former MotoGP rider, said he is looking forward to the race soon. With a duration of only eight laps, the 18 riders will fight over the main podium using an Italian-made electric motorbike, Energica. “I am very happy with the start of this MotoE season. The competition is very short, which means that each series will be very meaningful,” Smith said.
The teams that will take part in the 2019 season are: Tech3, Team LCR, Pramac Racing, Ángel Nieto Team, Esponsorama Racing, Gresini Racing (with two riders each), and Pons Racing, Intact GP, SIC58 Squadra Corse, Ajo Motorsport, Marc VDS Racing Team and SIC Racing Team (with one rider each).
Previously, the first MotoE series was scheduled to be held at GP Jerez, some time ago. However, the fire incident forced the start of the MotoE into a retreat. The fire devoured all the equipment and motorbikes that will be used for racing and testing.
The cause of the fire as investigated is due to short circuit. It then grabs the electric motor batteries in the warehouse. In an investigation carried out by the Spanish police, nothing was found to cause the electrical short circuit. Because all racing motors are not connected to the charging station during the fire. Daniel Hoeg, a witness and owner of an e-bike development company working in Jerez at the time stated to CNN that “though the devastation was a setback for the e-racing industry, nobody was killed or injured, and MotoE will continue to grow and expand.”
MotoE 2019 will only be held in six series on four circuits.
Following is the MotoE 2019 schedule:
- Series 1: July 5 – July 7 (Sachsenring, Germany)
- Series 2: August 9 – August 11 (Red Bull Ring, Austria)
- Series 3 & 4: September 13 – September 15 ( Misano, Italy)
- Series 5 & 6: November 15 – November 17 (Valencia, Spain)