The forthcoming electric-bike series that Dorna plans to introduce in 2019 took a step closer to reality with the announcement that Michelin’s long-standing Technical Director Nicolas Goubert is to quit the tyre company after 28 years to run the forthcoming FIM Moto-e World Cup.
The French engineer, a familiar face in the paddock since the late 1980s spearheaded Michelin’s return as control-tyre suppliers last year.
Goubert will take up his appointment in February next year.
The Moto-e championship, still in the formative stage, is envisaged as a one-make series, with established riders taking part in races held alongside MotoGP events. Dorna official Loris Capirossi has already been testing potential bikes for the series.
The pioneering move is probably well-timed and a valuable public-relations exercise, but faces much scepticism, especially given the underwhelming reception to the “TT Zero” races staged at the Isle of Man TT.
By Michael Scott