Press Release | December 4, 2023
The provisional dates and countries for the FIM E-Xplorer World Cup, an international electric all-terrain motorcycle racing series, has been released. The opening round is confirmed for Osaka, Japan, on February 17, 2024.
UPDATE: DECEMBER 4, 2023
The following is an update from FIM E-Xplorer…
FIM E-Xplorer World Cup is thrilled to announce the opening round of season two will be held at the Expo’70 Commemorative Park, Osaka, Japan, on February 17, 2024. This will mark the series’ debut outside of Europe and begin its pathway to becoming a global championship. Spearheading cutting-edge technologies and championing sustainable development, the mutual ethos shared between Osaka and E-Xplorer made it an obvious location for launching the brand-new season.
President of Motorcycle Federation Japan, Tetsuo Suzuki, said: “The FIM E-Xplorer World Cup, which uses electric vehicles and mixed team of men and women, is here to be held in Osaka the venue of the 2025 World Expo and we are very exciting to be able to hold the event. We understand that this is the result of the efforts of various people involved, and I would like to express my deep gratitude to all parties, and we believe that our efforts will definitely drive the future of motorcycle sports. This World Cup event is a new type of team competition that is completely different from previous competitions, so it will develop new fans and create new star riders and teams.”
Adding to the thrilling spectacle, the Global Promoter E-Xplorer, will make sure spectators are having a great experience with live music and a selection of local cuisines and beverages to elevate the event for fans watching.
FIM E-Xplorer World Cup Co-Founder, Carina Munte, said: “I am thrilled to bring E-Xplorer to Japan, a country with an immense heritage in terms of motorcycle racing and technological innovation. Making our debut in Asia will create a memorable footprint of our championship in the world of motorsport. We have been working effectively with Osaka’s Prefecture and we are extremely grateful for their help and support throughout the process.”
Osaka is a bustling cityscape with an array of historic venues and landmarks all nestled within the fast-paced energetic metropolis. E-Xplorer’s home for the weekend, Expo’70 Commemorative Park, lies north of the Yodo River that meanders down the centre of the city. The picturesque setting is home to over 5000 Japanese Cherry Trees and the course will be located right in front of the iconic Temple of the Sun, in the Festival Plaza.
2024 FIM E-Xplorer World Cup Calendar (Tentative)
February 16-17 — Osaka, Japan
May 3-4 — TBA, Norway
June 21-23 — Vollore-Montagne, France
September 20-22 — Crans-Montana, Switzerland
November 29-December 1 — TBA, India
For more information, visit fimexplorer.com
This is a press release from FIM E-Xplorer from November 10, 2023…
(November 10, 2023) – The FIM E-Xplorer World Cup—a new cutting-edge, international electric all-terrain motorcycle racing series—has today (Friday 10 November 2023) announced its outline calendar plans for 2024, with five events including three double-headers planned in two continents as the electric motorcycle series ups a gear for next season.
The series, which fields a male and female rider in each team while promoting sustainability through the electrification of the sport, has carved the way for the future of motorcycle racing and the announcement of a truly worldwide calendar is testament to the success of its inaugural year.
After a very successful first season in 2023—where the ‘World Cup’ featured across European rounds—racing in Barcelona, the Swiss mountains of Crans Montana, the volcanic woodlands of Vollore-Montagne in the Auvergne region of France, and the sandy beachfront of Sardinia; the series is planning to expand from Europe and take its electric motor racing message to Asia.
The 2024 campaign will kick-off in Japan in February, before heading to Norway in May, France in June, Switzerland in September, and finally India in December.
2024 FIM E-Xplorer World Cup Calendar (UPDATED)
February 16-17 — Osaka MFJ Japan*
May 3-4 — TBA NMF Norway**
June 21-23 — Vollore-Montagne FFM France
September 20-22 — Crans-Montana FMS Switzerland
November 29-December 1 — TBA FMSCI India*
NOTES: *City to be announced /** Subject to contract
Carina Munte, FIM E-Xplorer Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, said: “We are so excited to announce the outline details for 2024. We have agreements in place with some incredible locations for 2024. We are very happy with the expantion to Asia, the leading market for electric two-wheelers. We had a great first season and proved we have what it takes to create a World Cup and have the support of the FIM and several promoters who all can see the value of electric motorsport in general and electric motorcycle racing in particular.”
The current calendar represents the promoters and countries who have signed a multi-year contract with the series following the success of the 2023 campaign, which saw a race to the final in Sardinia—coinciding with Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2023 Extreme E Series.
The Japanese MIE team took the overall honors, closely followed by Gravity and Maddwill. The 2023 season saw a strong field of nine teams and 18 riders contest – one female and one male in each team—with some high-profile names amongst the grid such as Robbie Maddison, Kiara Fontanesi, Camille Chapeliere, Sandra Keller adding their weight to this nascent championship.
Valentin Guyonnet, FIM E-Xplorer Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, said: “We are delighted with the first year of FIM E-Xplorer, and now our attention is fully on a successful 2024 season. It is the time for sustainable sport to have its day.
“We are committed to establishing a footprint in the world of motorsport, and we are hopeful of more manufacturers joining our championship, which will lead to technological innovations and developments on a much wider, global scale.
“We proved the concept and have the approval and support of FIM and of course our partners and promoters. We have long term agreements in these countries and will be looking to add some additional events and series announcements before the end of the year.”
The details of the championship will be announced in the coming weeks and combined with new sporting regulations and specific locations will guarantee a unique backdrop for motorcycle racing.