Topsy-turvy world: while Germany and Europe dream of a white Christmas, Formula E stages its third race of the season on the beach in Punta del Este (Uruguay) on the day before the fourth Advent. Temperatures of around 30 degrees are expected along with many spectators who spend their holidays in the Monaco of South America as the town on the Atlantic coast is often called. Punta del Este lies 140 kilometers east of the capital Montevideo and was the venue for a Formula E race for the first time in 2014.
After finishing second at the season opener in Peking, and victory most recently in Putrajaya, Lucas di Grassi comes to Punta as championship leader. “As long as we don’t drive in Brazil, the race in Punta del Este is effectively my home race, which I’m eagerly looking forward to,” says the Brazilian. “The enthusiasm of the South American fans is enormous – and together with this unique location it will certainly be a highlight.” His sporting goals remain unchanged: “We want to win the race and fight for the title. This is only possible when we are perfectly prepared and one-hundred per cent focused on race day.”
The 2.785-kilometer track winds its way directly along the beach promenade in the resort. Sand, which drifts across from the beach, causes the conditions to change constantly. Last year the fans enjoyed a spectacular race packed with numerous overtaking maneuvers, several safety car stages, a third place for Lucas di Grassi and a fastest race lap for Daniel Abt. The 23-year old and youngest driver in the field says the outcome is impossible to predict. “Formula E is unpredictable and it’s exactly this that makes it so fascinating,” says Abt. “It’s not just about speed, but in fact all about hundreds of other details. If we can get everything right on the day then we’ll be right at the front.”
Team ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport holds first place in the team classification thanks to the points scored by both drivers. Hans-Jürgen Abt would love to spend Christmas time in this position in the sun: “The whole team – including our two drivers – has gelled over the last few months and has proven that they can handle pressure exceptionally well. This is one of our strengths, even if others are perhaps a step ahead when it comes to absolute performance.”
The third race of the season starts on Saturday at 16:00 local time (20:00 CET). In Germany, Eurosport broadcasts live in Free TV at prime time from 19:45. The TV channel also broadcasts a recording of qualifying from 19:15. The fee-based Eurosport Player also shows every practice session and qualifying live.
