‘Majority’ of MotoE fleet ‘destroyed’ by fire

A majority of the MotoE bikes have been ‘destroyed’ by a fire less than two months out from the electric motorcycle series’ inaugural race date.

The field had gathered at the Circuito de Jerez for the first test of 2019, with Round 1 set to take place at the same Spanish circuit on May 3-5.

A day of testing had already been completed before a fire in the early hours of Thursday morning (local time) ripped through the paddock area.

According to Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, all 18 bikes have in fact been destroyed.

MotoGP organisers confirmed reports of the event a short time ago, providing a brief statement which advised of “major damage and losses” but no injuries. (See below for full statement)

The inaugural FIM MotoE World Cup was to have seen 18 riders competing, including Australian Josh Hook and two-time MotoGP championship runner-up Sete Gibernau.

There is no word yet on how the event will affect the make-up of the five-round season, which was to have supported MotoGP at selected European rounds.

UPDATE: Dorna has advised that the season will proceed in 2019, to a revised calendar.

Full statement from Dorna

Fire forces early conclusion to MotoE Test

A fire in the newly-built E-paddock has destroyed the majority of material for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup.

At around 00:15 early on the 14th of March during the second pre-season MotoE test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, the E-Paddock for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup caught fire, causing major damages and losses. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Fortunately there have been no injuries. An update will follow in the coming hours regarding the exact causes of the fire and any subsequent changes to the calendar.