| The opening official test of the 2022 FIM Enel MotoE World Cup drew to a close today at Circuito de Jerez in southern Spain. This was the first chance for this season’s protagonists to try the updated Energica Ego Corsa machine sporting the new EMCE motor and inverter, as previously introduced on the road-going counterparts of the bike. Changeable weather affected on-track proceedings especially on day two, as the morning rain forced riders and teams to alter their work programme for all sessions – as the final one of the day was held in mixed conditions. At the end of the three days, it is clear that there is still a lot of potential to be extracted from the updated technical package. After battling for the title in the past two seasons, Switzerland’s Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt IntactGP) topped the timesheets courtesy of a 1’48.634secs lap-time set on day one, ahead of two-time and reigning World Cup Champion Jordi Torres (Pons Racing 40) and Eric Granado (LCR E-Team). Unfortunately, Eric’s test was cut short due to an injury (partial rupture of the thigh muscle) following a crash on the second day of action. The top six was completed by a trio of Italian riders, with new recruit of Team Pons Racing 40 Mattia Casadei edging out 2019 title winner Matteo Ferrari (Gresini Racing) and returning MotoE rider Niccolò Canepa (WithU GRT RNF MotoE Team). Seventh place went to series sophomore Xavi Cardelus (Avintia Esponsorama Racing), followed by MotoE rookie – albeit motorcycle-racing veteran – Xavi Forés (Octo Pramac MotoE) and Hikari Okubo, with the Japanese rider also injured on the last day after crashing out at turn eight on a wet patch. Bradley Smith (WithU GRT RNF MotoE Team) was also ‘betrayed’ by a damp area of tarmac, albeit at the slow, last corner during the final session. The former MotoGP-riding Briton fortunately escaped uninjured from his tumble. Things did not go as smoothly for Forés’s teammate and MotoE debutant Kevin Manfredi, who suffered several fractured ribs following a big highside on day one. The former WorldSSP rider is still under observation at hospital, but he is doing well – especially given the severity of the crash. MotoE will return to action at Jerez on April 11-13 for the second and last official pre-season test. |
