The new FIM MotoE World Cup is already promising to be very interesting, with lots of teams and known riders announced to be competing in the first world cup for electric motorcycles. But while some might think this is a class for new talents, others seem to think it’s the perfect opportunity to get back into racing!
That’s the case of former MotoGP racer Sete Gibernau.
The Spanish rider announced today that he’ll be back at the world stage, specifically on the FIM MotoE World Cup, after reaching an agreement with Pons Racing. Gibernau, former MotoGP race winner and runner-up, was chosen by Sito Pons himself to ride the Energica Ego race bike for the team.
At 46 years of age, Sete Gibernau isn’t as young as many of the other riders joining the electric racing cup in 2019, but Sito Pons seems to believe the Spanish rider still has what it takes to get the wins for the team at the 5 races that will make the 2019 MotoE World Cup.
Sete Gibernau has been coaching MotoGP riders during his retirement, and hasn’t been on a race bike since the Laguna Seca race back in 2009. So, ten years after he last raced, Gibernau will once again be back racing other known riders.
Other known riders already confirmed to be part of the first ever electric world cup are Randy de Puniet and Niccolo Canepa, who will be riding for the LCR team run by Lucio Cecchinello. With De Puniet and Canepa also confirmed, we already know the names of 12 of the 18 riders taking part on the 2019 FIM MotoE World Cup.
Here’s the updated teams and riders list
Pramac Racing – Josh Hook; Alex De Angelis
Tech 3 – to be announced
LCR – Randy De Puniet; Niccolò Canepa
Ángel Nieto Team – Nico Terol; María Herrera
Gresini Racing – Matteo Ferrari; to be announced
Reale Avintia -Eric Granado; Xavier Simeon
Marc VDS – to be announced
Pons Racing – Sete Gibernau
SIC58 Squadra – to be announced
Intact GP – Jesko Raffin
Ajo Motorsport – to be announced
SIC Racing – Bradley Smith.