The first press conference of the era MotoE

The first press conference of the era MotoE

The FIM Enel MotoE World Cup starts this weekend at the Sachsenring. The first event of the race weekend was the press conference with five drivers: Bradley Smith (One Energy Racing), Niki Tuuli (Ajo MotoE), Eric Granado (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), Hector Garzo (Tech 3 E-Racing) and Nicolas Terol (Openbank Angel Nieto Team).

Bradley Smith during the first press conference of the era MotoE

The first to speak was Bradley Smith who, in addition to participating in the MotoE, is also the official Aprilia MotoGP tester: “In the transition from MotoGP to MotoE, one thing that works in my favor is the tires, they are very similar. Of course there is a clear difference in weight and riding style between the two bikes, but the general feeling of the tires and the information you get on the handlebars and saddle are quite similar, which makes the transition between the two bikes a bit ' easier. Overall, I am quite satisfied because when you have two roles in the same season it can become difficult, but so far the transition has been smooth. In Valencia I was able to try only one day and for this I want to thank the team for understanding! I can't wait to start the championship. During the test sessions we were all very close and it seems to be getting closer and closer. In Jerez I felt like I had a certain advantage but in Valencia much less. "

Niki Tuuli on the starting grid in Valencia

After Smith it was the Finnish Niki Tuuli's turn, last year Moto2 driver: “For me it is very special to be here and be there as part of the Ajo Motorsport team. In the tests we were always very fast and also the race simulation went very well (Niki finished third - ed). The bike is a lot of fun to drive and I think you will see hard-fought races. "

Eric Granado was the winner of the simulated race in Valencia, according to the Brazilian driver “la MotoE it's completely different from anything you've driven before; it's a strange mix of cornering speed and getting the bike up early to accelerate. I am very satisfied with the work done so far and the team is supporting me a lot. Although it was not an official race, winning for me in Valencia was very important for me, coming last year, which was very difficult for me. I can't wait to get on track tomorrow. Speaking of the bike, I found the power at the opening of the 'gas' impressive, you need to get used to it. The first time I drove it I said to myself: wow! But then I thought that in some places it was better to be careful. The braking is particular for the weight of the bike that moves everything on the front but Michelin has done a great job with the tires. "

Eric Granado and Ector Garzo at the arrival of the Valencia race

The next driver to speak was the Spaniard Hector Garzo, author of the pole position in Valencia: "I am very happy with how the tests went and also about the race (Garzo came behind Granado) in which I made a mistake but this allowed me to understand useful things for the start of the championship. Personally the bike doesn't seem so different from a Moto2 as a type of driving. The passage from the Moto2 that I drive in the CEV to MotoE it was very natural. "

Nico Terol during the opening press conference of the German GP

Finally Nico Terol, former 125 world champion, spoke: "After 3 years away from racing, the Valencia race was a great result (Terol finished in 4 place). With the team and the bike I am finding myself very well. I found the cornering speed surprising. After Valencia I couldn't wait to get back on track. I think the Sachsenring is an interesting track for the MotoE and there are many curves to the left, my favorites. "

Here you can see the program of MotoE during the German GP weekend (link)
To see how the test and race simulation went in Valencia two weeks ago, here is the dedicated section (link)