Ajo MotoE Team rider will start the second round of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup from the second row of the grid.

The Ajo MotoE Team produced a solid performance in qualifying once again in the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup on Saturday at the Austrian GP, securing a start on the second row for tomorrow’s race. Niki Tuuli was just two tenths off the E-Pole and tomorrow he will take off from fifth. The current leader of the championship will therefore go in search of his second victory of the season from towards the front of the grid.

After being first on the combined FP1 and FP2 timesheets yesterday, today the Finnish youngster did well in the last free practice in the morning. The Ajo MotoE rider took full advantage of the 20-minute session to finish fine-tuning his electric bike and he was able to beat his best Friday time. After completing a total of 11 laps, Niki Tuuli concluded FP3 in fifth position, with a 1:35.177.

In the afternoon qualifying session the riders contested the E-Pole and the Ajo MotoE Team man was fifth again, with his best time being a 1:35.385 lap. The 23-year old was just 0.074s from the front row and two tenths off today’s pole.

The second race of the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup will be held tomorrow at 10 am, with the riders set to complete six laps of the Red Bull Ring.

Results (E-Pole)
1. Mike Di Meglio 1:35.182
2. Xavier Simeon 1:35.193 +0.011
3. Bradley Smith 1:35.311 +0.129
4. Jesko Raffin 1:35.365 +0.183
5. Niki Tuuli (Ajo MotoE Team) 1:35.385 +0.203

66 NIKI TUULI

“I felt pretty well. The goal was to be on the front row, however it’s still positive to have finished in the top 5 in qualifying. I knew I could have got pole, but it’s difficult to find a perfect lap in just one attempt, without risking too much and without exceeding the track limits. It was a good attempt, even though I made two mistakes that meant I lost time. Overall though I’m happy with how things went. I think we can be strong in the contest, as we have a very consistent pace. We are ready for the race.”