After a few electric racing tests in the past, very pleasant but rather amateur, Dorna is now bringing the heavy artillery of its know-how and experience to launch a real professional Championship: The FIM Enel MotoE World Cup. We took stock with the manager of this project Nicolas Goubert.
Where are you currently, since the launch of the project?
“Things have progressed well. The bike is almost finished. In fact, we still have one test left in Misano, then we will start assembling the bikes to be ready in time for the first official tests which will take place at the end of November after the Valencia Grand Prix.
“The testing of the Energica motorcycle is currently going well, as planned in relation to the schedule. With regard to Enel, our energy supplier, we do not have the same timetable. We have a little more time ahead of us to be ready next year for the second test. »
What were the major technical developments?
“Compared to the production motorcycle, the main development was the battery pack. In an equivalent size and weight, the on-board energy has been almost doubled as we are at just over 20 kWh (kilowatt hour) today, compared to 11 on the road bike.
“There were also of course the brakes, the suspensions, the weight where we saved around fifteen kilos, as well as the tires. The work on the tires is not finished. The front wheel will be a 3.75 x 17, with a front tire whose profile will be equivalent to MotoGP tires, with rubber of course different because the stresses are less severe than on a MotoGP. Michelin will continue to work on the rear tires, knowing that the deadline there too is not quite the same. We have to be ready for the start of the season, so we still have a little time ahead of us.
“The brakes are Brembos, the wheels are Marchesini, the suspensions are Öhlins. Work on the suspension is not yet finalized. »
What about lap times?
“We will be a little below Moto3, depending on the circuits. The last circuit we rode on was Austria last week, where we got really close to Moto3. I think if we race on this Red Bull Ring, we will be as fast as Moto3. On the rest of the circuits, we will be a little slower. »
Have you made a decision about the noise?
“We are going to keep the natural sound of the motorcycle. This was the orientation, decided at the start of the year, which we have maintained. »
We already know the participating teams*. When will we know the drivers and the 2019 calendar?
“The calendar will be known late because we will have to wait for the publication of the MotoGP calendar. The list of chosen circuits will be known in Misano (editor’s note: Riviera GP on September 9). The schedule with final dates will be announced later. Drivers will be announced in Aragon (editor’s note: GP on September 23). »
Generally speaking, are you satisfied with the evolution of the implementation of the MotoE category?
“Yes, I am very satisfied with it because what is interesting and nice to see is the interest shown by the teams and the sponsors. It is important for motorcycle sport in general that we manage to attract slightly different sponsors, after the periods of tobacco companies, manufacturers of alcoholic drinks, sports drinks, and oil companies which are still there.
“With the beginnings of electric technology, as we see in Formula-E automobiles, we saw the arrival of energy suppliers like Enel. An insurance company, whose name I cannot yet reveal, is joining us. These companies support the development of electric vehicles for the general public, which for them corresponds to participating in races to show themselves on this promising vector. They were able to seize the ball, and that's good for motorcycle sport. »
*Teams with two MotoE :
Tech 3 Racing
LCR Team
Pramac Racing
Esponsorama Racing (Avintia)
Gresini Racing team
Angel Nieto Team
Teams with a single MotoE :
Sepang International Circuit (SIC)
Marc VDS Racing Team
Ajo Motorsport
Pons Racing
Dynavolt Intact GP
SIC58 Squadra Corse
Test Schedule
November 23 to 25, 2018 (with Moto2 in Jerez)
March 13 to 15, 2019 (Jerez)
April 23 to 25, 2019 (circuit to be defined)
Photos © motogp.com / Dorna, Michelin and Energica
