MotoGP to get an all-electric support series as early as 2019

Motor racing is going in a new direction these days, now electric racing has started gaining momentum. This form of racing was first introduced in 2010 when the Isle of Man TT introduced an electric race as a part of its prestigious program. 4 years later, Formula E was born and is now in its 3rd season. Now MotoGP too has opened up to the project.

MotoGP boss Carmelo Ezpeleta has confirmed that plans are underway to host a five round support class with as many as 4 interested manufacturers offering to supply 18 bikes. The bikes are expected to reach 200km/h, which is slightly slower than an average 250cc Moto3 bike. It is believed that MotoGP’s independent teams and a handful of top Moto2 teams have been guaranteed slots in the new series, provided the interest is there.

Ezpeleta revealed the details in an interview with Motorsports.com. “The project is very advanced,” he told Motorsport.com. “It’s most likely that in 2019 we will have several support races [for MotoGP] in Europe. We already have four offers from brands on the table. It will be one-make, with all bikes the same, and the races will be a minimum of 10 laps long.” As to who those manufacturers are still remains a mystery.

Ezpeleta had an idea to use solar panels to run the bikes as it is more economical and gives back to the host circuit. “We want the batteries to be recharged from solar panels, not from generators like in other championships,” added Ezpeleta.“This way, we can leave something profitable for the circuits where the series races.”