Niki Tuuli was second on a historic day at the Sachsenring circuit, as the first two FIM Enel MotoE World Cup free practice sessions took place.

The first ever season of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup got started today at Sachsenring, as the initial two free practice sessions of the new championship took place. The Ajo MotoE Team confirmed their superb shape from preseason testing, with Niki Tuuli ending the day second on the combined FP1 and FP2 timesheets.

In the first of today’s two 30-minute free practices, the Ajo MotoE Team focused on doing a long run as simulation for the race. Niki Tuuli completed a total of 13 laps – 7 without stopping -, in which he was fast and consistent. On his final attempt the Finn set his personal best – 1:29.265 -, finishing second.

In the afternoon session, Tuuli once again confirmed his quick adaptation to MotoE riding, leading for most of the FP2. After completing 14 laps, the Ajo MotoE Team rider reconfirmed the second place, with a competitive time of 1:28.586.

Tomorrow will see the first E-Pole in the history of the newborn FIM Enel MotoE World Cup at 4:00 pm local time. In Saturday’s only session, each rider will leave pit lane for one out lap, one crucial fast lap and another lap to head back to pit lane.

Combined practice times (FP1 – FP2)
1. Mike di Meglio 1:28.547
2. Niki Tuuli (Ajo MotoE Team) 1:28.586 +0.039
3. Hector Garzo 1:28.644 +0.097
4. Jesko Raffin 1:28.696 +0.149
5. Bradley Smith 1:28.801 +0.254

66 NIKI TUULI

“I’m very happy with how things went today. All through preseason testing we always were in the Top 3, so our goal this Friday was to stay up there and we managed to do that. We still have work to do, we have to finish tuning the set-up of our bike and I need to improve my feeling at certain points. The team is putting in a massive effort, so I’m very pleased with this first day. It will be important to do well in the E-Pole tomorrow and we’ll give it our all to try to be on the front row of the grid.”