e-MotoGP – Loris Capirossi in Aragon tested the first electric MotoGP bike for Dorna, after the announcement of a new zero-emission category in 2019.
e-MotoGP: Are your ready for 2019?
Dorna is working to introduce alongside MotoGP, Moto2, and Moto3, the e-MotoGP, the first world championship for electric motorcycles. Carmelo Ezpeleta plans to create the e-MotoGP championship in 2019. It doesn’t run all MotoGP World championship rounds, but only the European ones. In fact, Ezpeleta has chosen only the more traditional GP, with the most appealing audience. Tests have already begun last week in Aragon for manufacturers interested in taking part in the new class. Only one of them will do so. The organizers’ intention is, in fact, to start with a single engine supplier. Dorna will choose between the Belgian Sarolea, the American Mission Motorcycle, the Italian Energica, and the well-known KTM and Mahindra.
Sarolea SP7
The first to be tested on the track in Alcaniz was the Sarolea SP7, with Loris Capirossi as the exceptional tester. The famous Belgian brand, which has been dusted by the brothers Bjorn and Torsten Robbens for two years and turned into a zero-impact motorcycle project, seems to have achieved much more favorable results than the ex-riders expectations. “Capirossi seemed impressed by the character of the engine and the low weight of the bike. He had already tried other electric bikes, and I think he found them heavier.” Bjorn explained after the private test.
Manx7 zero emission road bike
The two brothers have already produced the Manx7 zero emission road bike. It took part in the TT Zero of the Isle of Man (the Tourist Trophy for electric vehicles) without disfiguring in comparison with the giants Mugen and Honda. In the next weeks, tests on products from other manufacturers are scheduled to take place. At the end of October, there should be a response who will be the chosen supplier.
