Electric Cars

The MotoGP governing body, Dorna, in conjunction with the FIM, has announced the discontinuation of the all-electric MotoE series following the conclusion of the 2025 season. This decision stems from the championship's inability to garner substantial interest from the fanbase and the perceived slow progress within the electric performance motorcycle sector. While the series has delivered thrilling races and celebrated champions since its 2019 inception, its future remains uncertain, with organizers suggesting a potential revival only if electric motorcycle relevance or other sustainable technologies significantly advance. The announcement precedes the penultimate race weekend at Misano, indicating a strategic re-evaluation of electric motorcycle racing's role within the broader MotoGP landscape.

MotoGP's current electric support class, MotoE, will be put on hold after the 2025 championship. The primary reasons for this suspension are a perceived lack of connection with the existing fanbase and the slow advancement of the electric performance motorcycle market. Although no specific date has been set for a potential comeback, organizers are open to reintroducing MotoE if electric motorcycle technology gains more traction or other sustainable alternatives emerge. This pivotal announcement was made ahead of the upcoming Misano race, highlighting a shift in focus for MotoGP's electric racing endeavors and potentially paving the way for new support series like the Harley Davidson Bagger World Cup.

MotoE's Temporary Suspension: Reasons and Future Outlook

The MotoE series, MotoGP's electric support category, is scheduled for a hiatus after the 2025 season. This decision by Dorna and the FIM is largely attributed to the series' struggle to captivate a significant fanbase and the slow pace of development within the electric performance motorcycle market. Despite having crowned multiple champions and delivered exciting on-track action since its inaugural season in 2019, the current landscape does not support its continued operation. Organizers have indicated that a return to the racing calendar would only be considered if the relevance of electric motorcycles, or other alternative sustainable technologies, experiences a notable increase in the future, signaling a strategic pause rather than a definitive end.

The announcement regarding MotoE's suspension was delivered on Friday, preceding the penultimate event of the championship at Misano. Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna, acknowledged MotoE's role in MotoGP's innovative spirit, producing remarkable races and champions. However, he emphasized the necessity of responding to fan feedback and market trends, which led to the conclusion that a hiatus is appropriate. The series faced an initial challenge even before its official launch in 2019 when all its motorcycles were destroyed in a fire during testing at Jerez. Initially powered by Italian manufacturer Energica, the supplier role was taken over by Ducati in 2023, the same year MotoE achieved world championship status. Concurrently with MotoE's pause, MotoGP is set to introduce a new support series, the Harley Davidson Bagger World Cup, marking a new direction for its ancillary racing events.

Strategic Shift in MotoGP's Electric Racing Vision

MotoGP is undergoing a significant strategic re-evaluation of its electric racing initiatives, as evidenced by the decision to pause the MotoE series after the 2025 season. This move reflects a broader assessment of the electric motorcycle market and fan engagement. The series, which began in 2019, aimed to showcase innovation and sustainable technology, but its growth has not met expectations. This hiatus provides an opportunity for organizers to observe the evolving automotive landscape and await a more opportune moment for electric motorcycle technology to gain wider appeal and practical relevance within the racing community. The indefinite nature of this pause underscores the cautious approach being taken toward future electric racing endeavors.

The FIM and Dorna’s joint decision to place MotoE on hold was driven by several key factors. A primary concern was the series’ failure to consistently attract and retain a substantial fan following, which is crucial for the long-term viability and commercial success of any motorsport championship. Furthermore, the rate of technological advancement and market penetration for electric performance motorcycles has not been as rapid as anticipated, limiting the potential for significant technical innovation and competitive differentiation within the series. This strategic break will allow MotoGP to adapt to future market conditions and technological breakthroughs, ensuring that any subsequent reintroduction of an electric racing component would be more impactful and sustainable. In the interim, MotoGP is exploring new avenues for fan engagement and supplementary racing, such as the upcoming Harley Davidson Bagger World Cup.

Two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia is facing a perplexing season, citing a fundamental incompatibility between his riding technique and the unique characteristics of Ducati's 2025 model, the GP25. He insists his struggles are not due to a lack of confidence or mental fortitude, but rather a profound difference in the bike's 'DNA' that he has yet to master. Despite a series of disappointing results, the determined rider is focused on overcoming these hurdles and re-establishing his competitive edge.

MotoGP Champion Francesco Bagnaia Battles Bike Compatibility Issues Ahead of Misano Race

In a candid statement preceding the Misano race weekend, two-time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia of the factory Ducati team openly discussed the reasons behind his recent performance dip. Having meticulously analyzed every possible factor across 15 Grand Prix events on the new GP25, Bagnaia concluded that his current difficulties stem from a critical mismatch with the motorcycle's inherent design. He emphasized that this is not a crisis of confidence or mindset, as some critics and even Ducati boss Davide Tardozzi have suggested, but rather a challenge in adapting his riding style to the bike's distinct 'DNA.' He noted that some motorcycles are more forgiving, allowing for easier adaptation, while the GP25 presents a significant hurdle for his specific approach.

Bagnaia's admission follows a particularly challenging outing at the Catalan Grand Prix, where he recorded one of his worst qualifying performances, starting 21st on the grid. While the low-grip surface of the Barcelona track posed its own set of problems, the upcoming San Marino GP at Misano offers a different high-grip environment, providing a fresh opportunity for the rider. After securing a mere 16 points over the preceding races in Hungary and Spain, Bagnaia is earnestly hoping for a "normal weekend" at his home circuit. He expressed a crucial need for improved rear-wheel support, which was a significant issue in the previous races, contributing to what he described as a "disaster" and a "nightmare." Despite the unexpected setbacks this season, the 28-year-old remains steadfast in his ambition to contend for victories, even if a top-five finish is a more immediate and realistic goal for the upcoming race.

Bagnaia's struggle highlights the intricate relationship between a rider and their machine in the high-stakes world of MotoGP. His experience serves as a powerful reminder that even the most talented athletes must continuously evolve and adapt to technological advancements. This situation prompts us to consider the fine balance between human skill and engineering prowess, and how a slight misalignment can significantly impact performance at the elite level. It underscores the importance of continuous adaptation and the unwavering spirit of a champion in the face of adversity.