Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler's Lucas di Grassi staged an epic recovery in the scorching heat of Santiago, which saw him take 15 places and score valuable championship points in the 2020 Antofagasta Minerals Santiago E-Prix. Speaking after the race, the Brazilian driver claimed the finish felt like a win in his 'best race in Formula E.'
Despite his reputation as one of the strongest drivers in Formula E, di Grassi's performance in Qualifying failed to see him make it into Super Pole, instead starting 22nd in the race around Parque O'Higgins. Stranded at the back of the grid, the Brazilian miraculously made up 15 positions during the race, finishing seventh, well within in the points.
"A very good recovery, moving from practically last place to seventh and gaining six points, which are very important for the championship," said the Audi driver.
"I earned 15 positions... it was one of my best races in Formula E in terms of pace, coming back in a field like this."
I kept getting stuck in the wrong position in the track losing a lot of time...we showed we have an excellent pace and it would have been very competitive.
"Nevertheless, I think finishing in P7 was a fantastic result and I’m extremely happy. What happened during Qualifying was out of our control, hopefully the situation won’t repeat itself.”
With Formula E moving to Mexico City's Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on February 15, Di Grassi will be keen to repeat his legendary performance in the Mexican capital last season, where he overtook Mahindra Racing's Pascal Wehrlein with meters to the finish line. But the Brazilian is far from complacent.
"It doesn't mean anything, but I do really like Mexico. We'll work hard to qualify and race well, aiming for a good score, which will be important for the championship."