It’s only been three months since Ducati Team riders and CUPRA ambassadors #jorgelorenzo and #andreadovizioso drove the TCR for the first time. They’re seeing each other again at the Castellolí track near the brand’s facilities in Martorell. Lorenzo steps out of the e-Racer after completing three full laps. Dovizioso is waiting for him so he can share his impressions at the wheel of the brand’s first ever electric touring racecar:
Dovizioso: How did you like the e-Racer?
Lorenzo: It’s a very unique car. For example, one thing that was surprising is that it has no rear-view mirrors. Instead, it’s equipped with cameras that relay the image from behind and at the sides to the interior of the vehicle.
Dovizioso: And what about handling? I remember that the CUPRA TCR was very agile, allowing us to push harder when taking curves. What’s it like to drive an electric racecar?
Lorenzo: The feeling is different than with the TCR. What surprised me the most was its acceleration – the e-Racer is a lot more powerful. I’ve never felt such power on a competition touring car. The noise it makes is also different – it reminds me of the buzzing of a mosquito.
Dovizioso: And did you find braking different than on a petrol car?
Lorenzo: The major difference is that you have to take the extra weight of the e-Racer into consideration. Otherwise, I remember that the TCR also responded very well when braking. They both give you a big sense of stability at the wheel. Do you think the future of motorcycle #racing lies in electric engines?
Dovizioso: Yes, surely. I think the biggest challenge is trying to get the batteries to weigh less. Technology is making fast progress and I believe they’ll be lighter in a few years. How do you see it?
Lorenzo: Absolutely! I’m sure that electric competition will prevail in the future, but by then neither of us will be #racing anymore; we’ll be watching it on TV.
Dovizioso: Well guess what? I’m not going to wait for that to happen – I’m going to drive the CUPRA e-Racer right now!
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