Former 500cc and MotoGP title contender Sete Gibernau is to make a surprise racing return at the age of 46 – the latest entry to the new-next-year MotoE Cup.

The names were released in the run up to the Valencia GP, with Gibernau the biggest surprise. The absence of former Superbike champion Troy Corser was another. Corser had revealed his interest, and had been expected on the grid.

The 18 riders are a mixture of old and new, including several ex-GP riders of various levels, including Alex de Angelis, former 125 champions Nico Terol and Mike di Meglio, girl GP racer Maria Herrera; Xavier Simeon and Bradley Smith.

Gibernau, Pedrosa, French MotoGP 2017

The full list is:

Josh Hook (Australia) Alma Pramac Racing

Alex de Angelis (San Marino) Pramac Racing

Maria Herrera (Spain) Angel Nieto Team

Nicolas Terol (Spain) Angel Nieto Team

Xavier Simeon (Belgium) Avintia Esponsorama Racing

Eric Granado (Brazil) Avintia Esponsorama Racing

Randy de Puniet (France) LCR E-Team

Niccolo Canepa (Italy) LCR E-Team

Hector Garzo (Spain) Tech3 E-Racing

Kenny Foray (France) Tech3 E-Racing

Matteo Ferrari (Italy) Gresini MotoE

Lorenzo Savadori (Italy) Gresini MotoE

Jesko Rafrin (Switzerland) Dynavolt Intact GP

Niki Tuuli (Finland) Ajo Motorsport MotoE

Mike di Meglio (France) EG 0,0 Marc VDS

Bradley Smith (Great Britain) One Energy Racing

Sete Gibernau (Spain) Pons Racing

Matteo Casadei (Italy) Sic58 Squadra Corse)

By Michael Scott

Photos GnG