MotoE final test, opening race delayed

MotoE was able to complete its opening pre-season test at Jerez from March 10-12, just before the circuit closed due to the growing coronavirus restrictions in Europe.

But with the situation yet to improve, both the second MotoE test and opening race of the year have now been postponed.

The Spanish track was due to hold the final test for the electric-bike class from April 8-10, before an opening-round as part of the MotoGP weekend on May 1-3.

However a Dorna statement confirmed: "The announcement from the FIM, IRTA and Dorna regarding the postponement of the Red Bull Gran Premio de España entails the postponement of the first MotoE event of the season, which was also set to be held at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto from the 1st to the 3rd of May. The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has obliged the events to be postponed.

"The second pre-season test for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, originally planned for the 8th to the 10th of April in Jerez, will also not take place as scheduled.

"As the situation remains in a state of constant evolution, new dates for the MotoE test and first race cannot be confirmed until it becomes clearer when exactly it will be possible for them to take place. A revised calendar will be published as soon as available."

Inaugural MotoE champion Matteo Ferrari (Gresini) edged out Eric Granado (Avintia) by just 0.052s during the opening MotoE test.

The opening round of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup was also due to be held during the Spanish MotoGP weekend.