Alex De Angelis gave an interview to the performancemag.it blog where he talks about how the recent tests went with the MotoE in Jerez. De Angelis has long been no longer just a rider but is also a coach in Moto2 and special correspondent to the pits for Sky Motori. These different roles allow him to have a very broad point of view. In fact, in the interview he spoke about the driving sensations, the characteristics of the MotoE but also about the championship formula and safety on the track. In this post we wanted to take his words on the last two points.
Speaking of the championship, the words of De Angelis were these:
"The important thing was to start [the championship MotoE]. It is easy today to say that this or that could be done even if for years nothing was done, the electric motorcycles were there and have been there for years. The fact of starting [a single-brand championship] is a result and a strong signal, the next step will then have to understand DORNA to understand the direction after this first season of 2019, analyzing all the aspects of the Mono-brand and then perhaps widening both the number of bikes entered as that of the races. The positive side is the combination of single-brand stores [Energica] and the single tire [Michelin]. In fact, it will be sprint races and this will mean watching races with all the drivers lined up. In my opinion they will be very spectacular, which will translate into interest from the public. The driver and the team will win, since the suspensions will be the same for everyone except for the settings, it will be above all the result of teamwork to understand the right direction before the others. "
De Angelis was very active in focusing on the issue of security:
".... when you are on the track alone, turn with the MotoE it is also not a problem by virtue of both the super-performance Michelin tires that counter weight optimally, and the Brembo front braking system, which is very suitable for this bike, in addition to the fact that it is possible to use the engine brake to slow down. This whole package has been properly set up to run on the track. What worries me instead, is the combination with the short race, since, with these bikes, it will be difficult to make the difference between one and the other and therefore, the most important moment, will be the start and the next first corner. A bike that weighs so much, in the case of a driver who stretches too far apart, perhaps after the start, can be a problem in case of classic contact and subsequent fall. So, in the event of a crash at the first corner, a heavy bike that could hit one or more riders scares me. In agreement with the other pilots, with whom I have already spoken, we will propose grids diversified by two instead of three pilots, or staggered three / two / three or, ultimately, plan files further apart. We are open to everything in order not to create a situation that is too dangerous at the first corner ... "
Also the theme of the sound or noise of the MotoE was analyzed by De Angelis in relation to safety on the track:
"[The" making itself heard "by the other pilots, especially in stopping and overtaking], is a problem but I don't know how to evaluate it at 100%. In the tests I posed myself the problem, above all in the overtaking phase where I wondered if the pilot that I was passing had perceived what was happening. Having never been overtaken then, I never had proof if I could have the feeling and the real feeling of what was happening. It's a question mark that remains in my head ... "
At this link the original performancemag.it article (link)
