The first-ever MotoE race at Mugello turned out to be one of the most spectacular encounters in the history of the series won by pole sitter Dominique Aegerter (Dynavolt IntactGP).
The race has been plenty of lead changes and overtaking manoeuvres.
The #77 did not get a good start out of the gate and was fourth behind the then-leader Kevin Zannoni (Ongetta Sic58 Squadracorse), Matteo Ferrari (Felo Gresini MotoE) and Niccolò Canepa (WithU GRT RNF MotoE). He had to make his way back to the lead on multiple occasions, the last of which saw him going all the way from fifth place to first courtesy of a brave out-braking manoeuvre down the main straight and into turn one – as the riders entered the final lap.
With clear track ahead, he managed to pull away just a little by setting the fastest lap time of the race (and breaking the 1’59secs barrier), which prevented Ferrari to use the slipstream and pip his rival before the chequered flag.
But the podium battle was far from over, as Andrea Mantovani (WithU GRT RNF MotoE) exited the last corner at incredible speed and lined up alongside Eric Granado (LCR E-Team) before edging him at the finish line by a mere 0.007secs.
The Brazilian rider, on the other hand, had quite a turbulent race: he witnessed the front mudguard of his Ego Corsa shattering into pieces after hitting the back of the Canepa’s Energica motorcycle #7 – a setback that did not prevent the rider from taking a temporary lead during the same lap.
Canepa, on the other hand, was only seventh at the line behind a resurgent Mattia Casadei (Pons Racing 40) and a Marc Alcoba (OpenBank Aspar Team) on great form. Only 1.067secs today’s top seven at the finish line.
Thanks to today’s win, Aegerter extends his lead in the standings to 20 points over his nearest rival Granado. Race two for the Italian Grand Prix will get underway tomorrow Sunday at 15:30 (GMT +2).
Source: Energica Motor Company
Photo: MotoGP
Be the first to comment