Brilliant start for Ajo MotoE Team and Niki Tuuli

23/11/2018

The Finnish rider leads the way in early adaptation to the new FIM MotoE World Cup series, setting the best time on the first day of testing at Jerez.

 

The Ajo MotoE Team began their new project in the FIM MotoE World Cup with the first of three days of official testing at the Jerez Circuit – Angel Nieto. On his debut outing with an electric motorcycle, Niki Tuuli set the best time of the day on the combined timesheet. The Finnish rider was also able to assert his good pace and fitness.

The track started out wet after overnight rain, forcing the first representative of the Ajo Motorsport MotoE structure to go out on track with wet tyres. Despite the condition of the track, Tuuli adapted easily and, lap after lap, lowered his times. It was not until midway through the morning that, once the asphalt had dried out, he was able to put on slicks, improve his times further, and keep in the Top 10.

With a dry surface, he focused on improving his feeling on the bike and finding a good setup. That allowed him to be the fastest man on Friday, thanks to a 1:51.721 lap on his last stint.

After a positive day of testing at the Jerez Circuit – Angel Nieto, the Ajo MotoE Team rider has a further two days in which to continue adapting to the class this weekend.

 

Combined standings Day 1
1. Niki Tuuli (Ajo Motorsport MotoE) 1:51.721
2. Eric Granado +0.121
3. Randy De Puniet +0.185
4. Bradley Smith +0.618
5. Alex De Angelis +0.682

 

Aki Ajo – Team Manager
“It was a very exciting day for us, in our first experience in the new FIM MotoE World Cup. Everything was obviously new for us, but it has undoubtedly been a very interesting day and there have been many surprises. Niki Tuuli did a good job on his debut with the bike and the team, and managed to be the fastest rider of the day -which is very positive.”

Niki Tuuli #5
“Todey it went much better than I expected when I found out that I was going to ride a MotoE bike. I really enjoyed myself the first time I went out on track. There are many things that we can try with the engine, the brakes and the suspension. We have been improving all day and in the end we were able to set a good fastest lap. We have no precedent with which to compare our times, but I think it went well and I enjoyed riding. We still have two days to work on our setup and my feeling on the bike, so we’ll see how we finish on Sunday.”

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