Aki Ajo analyzes the progress of the Ajo MotoE Team and Niki Tuuli, following their debut in the first MotoE™ race in history.
The long-awaited start of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup saw the Ajo MotoE team, with Niki Tuuli, win the E-pole and the victory in an exciting opening competition held at the German Grand Prix. The first MotoE™ race in history couldn't have been better for the teamAki Ajo, who worked intensely from the start of the very first test session for the category, last November.
When and how did you decide to create a team for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup?
“We were approached by Dorna and IRTA about the new category, and we jumped at the chance to be among the first to participate in this new and exciting competition. So, after the first discussions, the decision was made quite quickly. We are really happy and excited to be part of this new championship.”
What difficulties did you encounter in the technical development of MotoE?
“The bikes are fully ready for high-level competition, as we saw from the first race at the Sachsenring. I think most of the time we just did normal adjustments: Learning how the bike works and how to best use it with our rider. It’s quite the norm in racing, actually.”
MotoEs require different maintenance procedures than conventional motorcycles. How is the equipment prepared for the race?
“From our point of view, the basic work is actually quite normal racing work: We keep the bikes in good condition, check mechanical details and so on, in addition to preparing settings, while the manufacturer and series organizer ensure we have the motorcycles ready for each event. So our main task is to make completely normal preparations, as well as to think about what range of settings to use and so on.”
In a regulated and technically balanced championship, how can you make a difference in terms of competitiveness?
“For us, working with drivers has always been important, and this category places particular emphasis on this part of the job. The machines are perfectly matched and the staff is limited, so we focus on working with the rider to help him perform well in all areas, then we use the setup to help him achieve his best potential level”.
How to choose a rider for a brand new championship? What relevant qualities have you seen in Niki Tuuli?
“I think the same basic qualities also apply in a new championship. Niki has a positive work attitude, he has a good feeling about the bike and the way the machine reacts to his actions. In addition, he is very close to our team, which allows us to help each other find the best performance from the rider and the bike. Niki is also someone who listens and is ready to receive feedback and improve, which is very important, especially in a new championship.”
At the Sachsenring, Ajo MotoE took part in the first round of the championship. How did the team approach the weekend and what challenges did you face?
“The very first race was in mixed track conditions, so I think that was the main challenge, but other than that everything went very well. We did our job, so we thought we were completely ready. The tests gave us an idea on how to start the weekend. Then it was really a matter of working from there, with the conditions that presented themselves along the way, just like on any given weekend. However, if you are prepared and have some hints on how to work in different conditions, that of course helps.”
Did you expect to see such a close race with so many overtakes?
“I thought there would be some close races, because the bikes are similar and the series has very strong and experienced riders, so it wasn't really a surprise. But perhaps the intensity of the race was a revelation. So it was an exciting race for sure! ".
