It's a phrase that riders in categories using combustion engine motorcycles often say when recounting their battles in the peloton: "I heard it coming." A point of reference and also an indication to defend yourself or, at worst, prevent a bad blow. But in MotoE, the electric batteries make no sound. So how do its pilots do?
Le MotoE is a new discipline highlighting a new technique which also induces new habits. Not only for stewardship or the paddock, but also for the drivers who are involved there. Because we will have noticed that, on the track, the roar of the engines has been replaced by a whistle. Is it perceived by the helmeted protagonists grouped in a platoon?
Speaking to Motorsport-total.com, Jesko Raffin , who competes in the electric racing series for German team IntactGP, revealed: “ sometimes you feel that someone is on you and that they are going to attack you. But in MotoE it's a little harder to feel your opponent, it's just that you hear them less than usual ».
But other sounds appear that are drowned out by the noise of the MotoGP machines. Nicolás Terol (Ángel Nieto) explains: “ sometimes you hear the sliders on the asphalt, it's fun ». Héctor Garzo (Tech 3) even seems to be able to tell who is approaching him. “ I can hear Eric Granado slipping every lap, so I know he's behind me ».
Exactly, Eric Granado (Avintia), who won the first simulated race in Valencia, but then had to settle for eighth place at the Sachsenring, comments: “ I feel the engine every time I turn the throttle. Many people think that there is no sound at all, but in fact there is a lot of sound ».
« When you are in the corner and you open the throttle you can feel it, the mind gets used to it » he said. “ As for other riders, it's like an instinct, you feel like someone is coming, even if you can't hear it like on a motorcycle with an internal combustion engine ».
The last word goes to Niki Tuuli, the first winner in the history of the series in Germany: “ We always hear the others arriving » he said, confirming at the same time that the MotoE was not completely silent: “ the first time I went with the electric motorcycle I didn't use earplugs, but I use them all the time. I had to come back and get them because there was a lot of noise ».
