The line-up for next year’s MotoE championship continued to take shape, with the announcement that current MotoGP rider Xavier Simeon will be leading the Avintia team’s effort in the five-round all-electric series next year.

A former Moto2 race winner, 29-year-old Simeon joined the Spanish squad in MotoGP this year, but has had a disappointing season, yet to score any points; and it was previously confirmed that his two-year contract was in peril, and that Karel Abraham would take over his seat alongside Tito Rabat next year.

Today’s announcement is something of a stay of execution for the Belgian. Being part of the completely new championship “will be an important step in my racing career,” he said.

Simeon, Thailand MotoGP 2018

“I can’t wait to go testing and see what we can achieve, because even though the bikes are different, the level of competition will be as high as the other classes.”

He will be joined in the Avintia team by erstwhile Moto2 rider Eric Granado from Brazil.

Other riders already confirmed for the series include former 125cc World Champion Nico Terol and GP veteran Randy de Puniet. Former double World Superbike champion Troy Corser is another candidate, with current KTM rider Bradley Smith hoping that his testing and wild card duties at Aprilia will also allow him to take part.

MotoE will be classified as a World Cup rather than a World Championship; and will comprise five rounds supporting GP races, at Jerez, Le Mans, Sachsenring, Red Bull Ring and Misano. Riders will compete on identical race-modified Energica Ego electric bikes. The 18-strong grid will be made up of six two-rider teams, and sic more single-rider entries.

By Michael Scott

Photos GnG