Motorcycling-Fire destroys bikes for MotoGP's electric support series

Bikes and equipment for MotoGP's electric support series, MotoE, have been destroyed by an overnight fire during testing at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain, organisers said on Thursday. MotoGP said in a statement that the MotoE World Cup paddock facility caught fire at around 0015, causing major damage and burning "the majority of material".

The series is due to start at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit on May 5. "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," added the MotoGP statement.

The all-electric series was at Jerez for its second three-day test. Media reports said all 18 Energica Ego Corsa bikes were destroyed. The bikes have a maximum speed of up to 270kph and were kept together in an E-paddock for recharging.

Former MotoGP riders, including Spaniard Sete Gibernau, were among those signed up for 15-minute races at five of the MotoGP rounds in Spain, France, Germany, Austria and Italy. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Amlan Chakraborty)