'Excited' Smith expecting 'very close' MotoE debut

Bradley Smith, one of the favourites for the inaugural MotoE World Cup, is expecting a 'very close' debut race for the electric bike class at Sachsenring this weekend.

Although Smith missed the recent Valencia test race simulation, due to his Aprilia MotoGP duties, the Englishman was quickest on the day he attended and has his sights set on at least a podium this weekend.

"I’m very excited about the start of the MotoE season. We have waited a long time, so I'm looking forward to getting the championship underway alongside One Energy Racing," said Smith, second on the combined times for the Valencia test.

"It’s a very short competition, consisting of only four rounds and six races, and that means that it is very important to make each race count.

"Even though I was only able to attend one of the three days of testing at Valencia two weeks ago, I feel ready for the start of the season. We were amongst the fastest in testing, showing our speed.

"The three or four riders at the top are pretty close together, so it won’t be easy, but we want to start this campaign as well as possible and stake our claim for the title from the get-go.

"My intention in Germany is to finish on the podium. I expect a very close race at Sachsenring, so the key to victory will be not making mistakes."

The four MotoE rounds, delayed by fire damage at the Jerez test earlier this year, will all be held during MotoGP weekends.

The Sachsenring will see two free practice sessions on Friday, a one-lap Superpole on Saturday, then the eight-lap race on Sunday.

All competitors will use identical Energica machines.