Today at Sachsenring the pilots of the MotoE they took to the track to play the pole position and define the starting grid for tomorrow's race. The qualifying session, called Epole, took place like the old SBK superpole. One driver at a time on the track for a dry lap. Very spectacular formula but very difficult for riders who are looking for their best lap having tried only on Friday. The pole position was won by Niki Tuuli, Finnish driver of the Ajo Motorsport team, with the record time of 1.27,456, improving by one second the best time yesterday. Behind him, Héctor Garzó of the Tech3 E-Racing team at almost 8 tenths while Eric Granado of the Avinta Esponsorama Racing team finished third with just 11 thousandths from Garzó. To follow, Mike Di Meglio (EG 0,0 Marc VDS), Xavier Simeon (Avintia Esponsorama Racing) and Matteo Ferrari (Trentino Gresini MotoE), first of the Italian pilots. It should be noted that Tuuli, Garzó and Granado were also the fastest in the Epole and race simulations that took place in the preseason tests in Valencia.
Maria Herrera (Openbank Angel Nieto Team) received the black flag for leaving the pitlane too early and missed the opportunity to make the flying lap. Same fate for Jesko Raffin (Dynavolt Intact GP) who did the opposite by leaving the pitlane too late. Raffin and Herrera will both start at the bottom of the starting grid. Following are the statements of the three drivers who will start from the front row.
Niki Tuuli
“I am very happy to have obtained the first E-Pole in the history of the championship. Without a doubt this is a great start for me and for the Ajo MotoE Team. We had a superb time despite a couple of mistakes. The preparation was nerve-wracking, because you wait all day for this lap. I was a little nervous before hitting the track, but I felt good on the bike. We changed something in the setup compared to yesterday and during today's session I tried to keep pushing, looking for the perfect line. Anything can happen tomorrow. There are many good drivers. Everyone can improve, it will be a tight race. Starting from the front row is important, because the first corner is very tight here. I will do everything to get a great result. "
Héctor Garzó
“I'm really happy. We all know this is a crazy lap, but I wanted to do the best I could. I certainly didn't want to fall, but I wanted the first row. The result is good and I'm happy for the job; tomorrow will be a tight race with all the riders present. I am very satisfied with the work we have done and the bike is also really good. "
Eric Granado
“I am very happy with the result. The front row is a good place to start from to fight in the race tomorrow. We did a good job during the practice sessions and the team helped me improve the handling of the bike. I am here to fight for the victory, so let's do it. "
This is the starting grid for the race which will start on Sunday at 10: 00.
At this link you can download the session results file (link)
