Abt proud of Mexico win

Join Formula E

Sign in or create your Formula E account

It's quick, easy and free to sign up

You'll get access to:

  • Helmet

    News. Analysis. Exclusive Features

  • Schedule

    Priority Booking. Early Bird Pricing

  • Trophy

    Competitions. Discounts. Experiences

  • Podium

    Predict. Vote. Win.

TO CONTINUE READING...

You will need to sign in or create a Formula E account.

Abt proud of Mexico win

Abt proud of Mexico win

Abt Schaeffler Audi Sport team principal Hans-Jurgen Abt has revealed his pride in his team scoring victory in the Julius Baer Mexico City ePrix, despite Lucas di Grassi starting from 15th on the grid.

It was the lowliest starting position from which a Formula E race had ever been won, and Abt praised the courage of his team for employing a bold energy strategy that allowed di Grassi to recover from an unscheduled pitstop for a new rear wing to score an unlikely, but brilliant, win.

“It was one of the most exciting ever,” he said. “I can’t imagine anyone not on the edge of their seats in the final few laps. The Mexico ePrix has written a small piece of Formula E history. I am proud that we have made a contribution to this with our team.

“It is not the first time that we’ve jumped forward with a good race strategy – if you think back to Hong Kong, Lucas drove from 19th on the grid to the podium. But in Mexico, the racing drivers and the team delivered a masterpiece: the crew in the pits, because they had the courage to take an extremely risky strategy; the mechanics, because they remained cool during the unscheduled stop; and Lucas di Grassi, because he was incredibly focussed, mistake-free and drove his laps with full control over the energy consumption.”

Abt also praised his son Daniel, who set the fastest time in the Super Pole session, but started from the back after his car was found to have tyres that were under pressured.

“Not only were the team and I sorry for Daniel, but the fans as well. He once again pulled out a sensational performance in qualifying, beating his team-mate for the third time in four races. In the race, he made up 11 positions and took points for P7. I know he doesn’t want to hear it anymore, but the deadlock will be broken soon and he will stand on top of the podium.”

Abt’s next chance to score his maiden Formula E win comes with the return of the Monaco ePrix on May 13.