In all likelihood, this year will be the last in which we will witness the antics they pass off as a World Championship called the MotoE.
Let us make one thing clear right away, though. We do not resent electric motorcycles or the riders who ride them. From the first attempt with the Energica (a fervent but decidedly low-tech bike) to the current Ducati V21L, the progress has been enormous.
But "motorcycles" and "electric" are not words that go well together because, scooters aside, we do not believe in electric locomotion on two wheels in the medium to long haul, however, we're talking about racing here. And that is a whole other topic.
Our criticism is, on the contrary, aimed at the marginalization of the category that, otherwise, could have been a good springboard, not only in terms of technology but also in promotion regarding what two-wheelers, when it comes to urban commuting, can mean.
Launched in a grand style - with the backing of ENEL and a promise by Dorna to use sustainable energy to recharge batteries - in spite of initial disasters (like the fire in Jerez fire that postponed the first race) and subsequent accidents brought about by the instability of the batteries when charging (at the Red Bull Ring), there has never been adequate planning or continuity, or even simply a basic idea, with which to promote the category.
The lowest point was probably reached when a media phenomenon entered the series: a good rider and excellent Youtuber, Luca Salvadori.
They missed that opportunity with Luca who, as his experience grew, he became increasingly frustrated by the vetoes that prevented him from fulfilling his mission: namely, to promote the category in that professional and friendly manner of his.
Unable to make videos, Salvadori disengaged and - even if this wasn't the only reason - the MotoE quickly headed for oblivion.
Today, the category has been relegated to the sub-climax of the MotoGP weekend but, besides the brevity of the races (8 laps, since the batteries do not allow for more), they are further shortened at the slightest incident. In Hungary, after the flag, they raced in a Super-Sprint of just 4 laps!
However, we are almost at the closing credits. Maybe next year we will see an edition of the King of the Baggers - reserved only for Harley-Davidson Road Glides - as a replacement. At least in the MotoAmerica they also have Indian Challengers. But if you create a duality, you lose sponsorship.
It almost makes you wonder if certain experiments, like the MotoE, are not allowed to progress, because the alternative is that they lack the imagination and professionalism to make them interesting ... not to mention zero investments to promote it.