Champion and challenger under pressure
With jut hours to go until the 2018/19 season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship comes to a conclusion on the streets of Brooklyn, it's safe to say reigning champion Jean-Eric Vergne (DS Techeetah) and his main opponent Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler) are feeling the pressure.
"For me, I'm going to try and win the race. I have to win both races - that's my target," said di Grassi confidently after declaring in Bern, Switzerland that he would 'never give up' in his fight for the title until it was mathematically impossible.
"It's still the case - we're super pumped up and in Formula E, anything can happen. In Montreal, I took 34 points out of Buemi in the last two rounds. So, if I do exactly the same I'll win the Championship," he added.
For championship favourite Vergne, the Frenchman is more measured in his thinking.
"It depends how you see it," said the DS Techeetah driver. "If he thinks he has a very, very good chance of winning, then he has the pressure. But if he thinks he doesn't have a chance of winning and he just goes for maximum attack, then he doesn't have pressure."
After a rollercoaster of a season, which saw Vergne's title hopes rise and fall after early mistakes and a stint of 'pointless' races, the Frenchman has needed to keep a cool head.
"I try to chill as much as I can but at times things catch up with me at night when I try to go to sleep but I guess it's normal.
"I take things easy. The team has all done a fantastic job, regardless of the result. We're here to do the same job as usual and I don't see any reason why things would change this weekend."
With just 32 points separating him from hopeful di Grassi, it's down to the wire once again as two titans of all-electric racing go head-to-head for their second championship title.
'Bittersweet' memories for DS Techeetah
In New York City last season, things were looking good for the Techeetah squad. Frontman Jean-Eric Vergne was on the cusp of his first Championship title and the team stood a high chance of clinching the teams' trophy too. For the Chinese team, it could have been a perfect end to a stunning season. But it wasn't to be. While Vergne brought home his first drivers' title, his teammate Andre Lotterer scuppered the teams' chances with a jump start, ultimately losing out on the title by just two points. "Yeah, last year was bittersweet," said Lotterer agreeing with the words used by his Team Principal Mark Preston earlier in the day. "I think I did the only jump start of my career... somehow, I just don't think [the teams' title] was meant to happen. It keeps us pushing harder to achieve it this year. It's definitely a big priority for me, as a driver, to achieve it for the team."
This time around, DS Techeetah will be on the prowl for points as well as payback. Sitting at the top of the teams' standings - 43 points clear of nearest rivals Audi - the outfit will be looking to claw their way to the top on Saturday and Sunday. Will they manage to keep an attacking Audi's at bay in Brooklyn? Join us to find out.
Audi on 'maximum attack'
"The proudest moment of my career was collecting the trophy [last season] - it's a moment that I'll cherish for the rest of my time," said Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler Team Principal Allan McNish ahead of the season-ending showdown on July 13 and 14. One year on from the team's tremendous victory over Techeetah and the German squad are once again hot on the heels of the firm favourites - 43 points adrift.
"The strategy this weekend is to go all in," said Audi driver Daniel Abt. "We just have to go for it. The only way for us is to score as many points as possible...we're on maximum attack this weekend," he said with a smile.
With both Audi drivers still mathematically in with a chance of winning the drivers' Championship, the German team could end up with two trophies after the season finale in New York. While Abt would need nothing short of a miracle to take the top spot, his seasoned teammate Lucas di Grassi's chances are much higher, with only 32 points separating him from leader Jean-Eric Vergne. "Until the mathematical odds are impossible, I'm going to fight for the title - I'm never going to give up," said di Grassi ahead of the final.