Hikari Okubo completes the first of the three days of the Jerez Official Test – the last on the 2022 FIM MotoE World Cup pre-season calendar.

Avant Ajo MotoE and Hikari Okubo return to the Jerez-Angel Nieto Circuit this week, for the last official pre-season test for the 2022 FIM MotoE World Cup. The Japanese rider put into practice all the knowledge acquired during his visit to the Spanish track in March, successfully completing the first of the three days of testing in Andalusia this Monday. On the combined timesheets for the sessions held on Day 1, Okubo achieved the fifth best time.

The sun was out in Jerez, allowing the Avant Ajo MotoE rider to make the most of the first day. Throughout Monday, the Japanese followed an intense work programme together with his crew, completing a total of 19 laps. Okubo made a notable improvement in each of his outings, clocking his personal best in the third session of the day: 1:49.296. Thanks to this lap, the Avant Ajo MotoE rider was fifth on the combined timesheets. He was satisfied with the work carried out with the team, and using the conclusions drawn they will continue their plan on Tuesday.

Two more days of Official Test activity will be held at the track before the 2022 FIM MotoE World Cup pre-season comes to an end on Wednesday.

COMBINED STANDINGS – DAY 1
1. Eric Granado 1:49.020
2. Mattia Casadei 1:49.022 +0.002
3. Miquel Pons 1:49.116 +0.096
4. Matteo Ferrari 1:49.153 +0.133
5. Hikari Okubo (Avant Ajo MotoE) 1:49.296 +0.276

78 HIKARI OKUBO

“Overall, today was a good day. In the first session, we were focused on checking our feeling with the bike after a month without riding the MotoE. At midday, the second session was a bit tougher for us, but together with the team we made a good job, and we could fix things to take a step forward. In the afternoon, we were able to push, and we completed a strong qualifying simulation and we made a good lap time. We still have two more days of work at Jerez, and we’ll try to continue progressing. Maybe it will rain tomorrow but we’ll try to be strong, focused, and keep working hard.”