MotoGP reveals electric bike for 2019 MotoE World Cup

In a launch event in Rome on Tuesday morning, energy firm Enel was confirmed as the title sponsor for the series, and the racing version of the Energica Ego bike that will be used was revealed.

It was also announced that the grid will comprise 18 bikes across 11 teams from the grand prix paddock.

All seven privateer MotoGP teams - Tech3, LCR, Marc VDS, Pramac, Avintia, Angel Nieto and Gresini - will field two bikes each, while four teams drawn from the Moto2 and Moto3 classes will run one bike apiece.

"Dorna together with FIM are delighted to move ahead into the world of electric mobility - an option we consider a parallel path for the future," Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said.

"Today we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Enel as the official title sponsor for the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, as well as being the 'sustainable power partner' of MotoGP - a technical partner we look forward to working with in this new venture.

"We are very proud to work with such a global, innovative and far-reaching company such as Enel and look forward to the collaboration which also involves IRTA, the MotoGP independent teams and the excellent Energica bike.

"You can be sure that together we can make the Cup a resounding success."

Nine-time premier class grand prix winner Loris Capirossi, now Dorna's representative in Race Direction, participated in the launch and rode the bike for promotional purposes.

The calendar for the MotoE World Cup has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to consist of five eight-lap races, all in Europe.