The complete collection of MotoE bikes have been destroyed in a massive fire on Thursday morning at Jerez, plunging the series into doubt for 2019.
The all-electric MotoE World Cup was announced last year by MotoGP owners Dorna Sports, and is due to be a five-round series supporting MotoGP at European events, with 2019 its inaugural season.
The first pre-season test ahead of the the first round – due to take place during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend in May – at Jerez got underway on Wednesday, but the remainder of the three-day test has now had to be abandoned after a blaze destroyed most of the MotoE paddock.
Related: MotoE will go ahead in 2019 despite fire setback
The fire is said to have broken out at just after midnight on Thursday morning, and an investigation is underway as to the cause. No injuries have been reported.
A brief statement read: “At around 00:15 early on the 14th of March during the second pre-season MotoE™ test at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, the E-Paddock for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup caught fire, causing major damages and losses.
“The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
“Fortunately there have been no injuries. An update will follow in the coming hours regarding the exact causes of the fire and any subsequent changes to the calendar.”
The inaugural MotoE World Cup has a 12-team entry list, with all current MotoGP satellite teams fielding Energica Ego machinery for the likes of ex-KTM rider Bradley Smith and multiple race winner Sete Gibernau.
Wednesday's test was topped by former Moto2 rider Eric Granado, who was 0.433 seconds clear of the field on his Avintia-run bike.
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