The season so far: 2019 BMW i Berlin E-Prix presented by CBMM Niobium

After 10 races in 10 countries, over five continents, the ABB FIA Formula E Championship rolls into Berlin, Germany for the penultimate round of the voestalpine European races. Ahead of all the action on May 25, here’s all you need to know about the season so far. 

The streak is over 

After DS Techeetah’s Jean-Eric Vergne clinched the first double victory of the season in Monaco, the reigning champion brought an end to the record streak of eight different winners in eight races. Shooting to the top of the standings, Vergne now sits just one point ahead of his teammate Andre Lotterer (the voestalpine European races leader) in second. Back in the top spot for the first time since he secured the Formula E title last July in New York, last season saw the Frenchman maintain the lead from round four onwards. But despite the two wins, a total of 87 points and the advantage, the DS Techeetah driver is far from complacent. "Nothing will be stable until the end of the year - it's the way this Championship is. It's going to be extremely tough until the end of the season. It's the best situation to be in but it's not a comfortable situation.” 

The title hunt begins 

With only 33 points separating the top ten drivers, it's all still to play for as the Championship rolls into Berlin on May 25 for the penultimate race in the voestalpine European races. As it stands, any one of the top ten could theoretically take home the title in the season finale in New York City. With both DS Techeetah drivers Vergne and Andre Lotterer in first and second respectively, the Franco-Chinese team is looking strong ahead of the race in the German capital. Still, waiting in the wings is Envision Virgin Racing's Robin Frijns in third with 81 points and BMW i Andretti Motorsport’s Antonio Felix da Costa joint fourth with 70 points alongside Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler’s Lucas di Grassi. After di Grassi’s performance last season, when the former champ clinched second place in the Championship after a disastrous start to the season, could he strike again? Time will tell. 

It doesn't get any easier

After 10 races in 10 countries, over five continents, the 2018/19 season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship has proved to be the most challenging yet. For Envision Virgin Racing driver Robin Frijns, the hail and rain of Paris meant it was simply “the hardest race of his life,” while for seasoned endurance racing champion Andre Lotterer, Formula E is “the most difficult thing to drive.” For reigning champion JEV, the Frenchman predicts a bitter battle until the end of the season. “Nothing is guaranteed in Formula E,” he said after his win in Monaco.