Kiara Fontanesi shares her thoughts on competing in FIM E-Xplorer Rounds with double header in Sardinia this weekend. The WMX 6x Champion not only enjoyed the opportunity to race the inaugural all-electric bike Series at Round 3 in July, but also showcased her incredible skills taking the win with Gravity Team rider, Camille Chapeliere.
With natural talent on display, plus ability to transition to race all-electric bike, Kiara’s win first time up highlights the importance of athletes embracing new disciplines which are driven by principles of sustainability.
Dove-tail the founding mission of FIM E-Xplorer with racing along-side Extreme E Rounds 7 and 8 at the same venue, and Kiara along with 9 Teams of female/male rider’s echo the shifts occurring in Motorsport at present and in the future.
Put in broader perspective, the push by Federations to derive alternative energy sources upon which World Championships are raced have distinct advantages for sustainability of the sport’s disciplines. Add to the mix, Manufacturers who have common interests to develop production of electric-hydrogen powered vehicles which are used in race conditions – followed by future sales to mainstream public – and racing takes on a whole new dimension for seasons to come.
As I caught up with Kiara on route to Sardinia, it was evident how much fun the Italian experienced racing the innovative Series, as she explained: ‘I’m honestly happy to take part in the Championship, because well I just did it purely for fun. The Round I did in France was just because I replaced a girl who couldn’t race, and I found myself having fun with the team and with my teammate. I loved the format of the race and loved the people that organized the race. And even, we won and then I said wow that’s something really nice’.
With a double header in Sardinia, on sand, over 0.6kms, Kiara will be keen to challenge herself to race at new levels of performance within Team set-up. Kiara: 2 races altogether on Saturday and Sunday. With the victory in France we have the chance now to win the championship if we win both Rounds and if the team who are leading now finishes at least one time third.
Well, I didn’t take part in all of the Championship – the first and second Rounds I wasn’t there but I’ll just give it a try. Like I said I had fun. It’s not even about racing motocross with an electric bike it is completely different. You don’t even realize you are on an electric bike because the format is so fun and different. I hope I can do well and I hope we can win the Championship’.
Most certainly, Kiara’s strength of character shines through – her love to race and to experience new opportunities to share values which she holds dear, with family, friends and colleagues. As Kiara’s competitive spirit reigns supreme, even as the mother of two daughters and partner to Devi, results will as always be icing on the cake.
Header photo: Kiara Fontanesi winning FIM E-Xplorer with Gravity Team Iamge: fimexplorer
Words: Sharon Cox.
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