Successful first test for WithU GRT RNF MotoE™ Team in Jerez
Posted on Mar 10, 2022 by WithU GRT RNF MotoE
Bradley Smith and Niccolo Canepa got a first taste of bike and team on their return to the Enel FIM MotoE World Cup this week in Spain.
Together with the entire Enel FIM MotoE World Cup the WithU GRT RNF MotoE Team had a first roll-out at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto from Monday to Wednesday this week. Three sessions per day provided ideal practice time, although the weather kept changing. Following a sunny Monday, rain hit the Spanish track on Tuesday, followed by more pleasant weather on Wednesday.
Niccolo Canepa and Bradley Smith, who are both returning to the championship after one, respectively two years of absence, will compete under the WithU GRT RNF MotoE Team banner and have been fast straight away.
Smith started the season with a fantastic bang, securing P1 in the very first session on Monday morning, likewise on wet Tuesday morning. He advanced throughout day one, where he did his personal best lap of 1:49.719 minutes in the third session. The Briton did 58 laps in the course of the three official test days. On Wednesday, he nearly reached his fastest lap from Monday again and finally occupies P10 in the combined standings of all three days at.
With this first shakedown test done, the WithU GRT RNF MotoE Team is eager to return to Jerez de la Frontera from April 11th to 13th for the second official pre-season test with new ideas in order to progress even more before the first of seven race weekends starts from 29th April to 1st May at the same venue.
Bradley Smith:
“Obviously, it was nice to be back riding in MotoE. It was fun to start this adventure with the new team, although some parts of the team are the same. It was anyway nice to get back and see the developments of the last three years, mainly being the weight of the bike, a different rear tyre and the front fork. It started very well on day one and then we spent the rest of the time trying to learn the bike and everything as much as possible, so that we are readier for the race weekends. I think the information gathered from both riders gives us a lot of clear direction for the next test. I’m looking forward then to put everything together and getting a little bit closer to the fastest guys.”
Razlan Razali, Founder and Team Principal WithU GRT RNF MotoE Team:
“We are very happy that after the MotoGP season has started in Qatar, we also finally see our MotoE guys on track. It’s an honor to have Niccolo and Bradley in our team, two very talented, experienced and above all fast riders. This first roll-out has been very good and they managed to prove their class right away. Niccolo took it step by step to get used to the Energica Ego Corsa again. He showed some great speed in dry and wet conditions and finished the test in a strong position. For Bradley, it seemed he has never been away from the championship, as he was impressively quick from the word go. He also demonstrated how strong he is on wet tarmac, although a small crash on Tuesday haltered his progress a little bit. We can’t be more delighted and excited for this MotoE season with these two guys and a fantastic crew behind, who does a very good job. Let’s bring on that second test!”