A stadium atmosphere, a mega-city, enthusiastic fans and a wide track for overtaking manoeuvres: The ePrix in the heart of Mexico City next Saturday is one of the highlights of the Formula E calendar. The ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport team with Lucas di Grassi and Daniel Abt sit in second place in the team and driver rankings.
Sébastien Buemi and his Renault works team are the combination to beat at the moment. The German ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport team with its two drivers Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi lead the chasing pack in the international field. The German-Brazilian duo has stood on the podium 19 times in the 25 races held so far. Therefore the goal for the round in Mexico is clear: arrive perfectly prepared, attack, take advantage of even the smallest mistake.
The 2.093-kilometre circuit is located in the heart of Mexico City and is part of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, where Formula 1 also makes an appearance. Particularly impressive is the section between the grandstands, which provide a stadium-like atmosphere. Unlike Formula 1, the Formula E circuit runs through not only the stadium, but winds along the grandstands as well. The podium ceremony also takes place on a stage in front of the grandstands, which were practically full last year – an emotional highlight for racers and fans alike.
Tests, meticulous analysis of the data collected, optimisation of the software, working on the perfect set-up and preparing the drivers in the simulator – even during the season, ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport leaves nothing to chance. “We only have a chance of trophies and champagne if we get a perfect start to race day,” says Daniel Abt. Like his teammate, the German is particularly looking forward to the unique atmosphere in Mexico.
“Our goal remains the same for the race in Mexico: we want to fight for the podium and, in the best case, for the win,” says Team Principal Hans-Jürgen Abt. “Last year Lucas won the race comfortably, but the trophy was subsequently lost because of our mistake – which is why we have a score to settle in Mexico. It won’t be easy, because this season there are more than a dozen candidates for the top spot on the Formula E podium.”
In Formula E, free practice, qualifying and race are all held within a few hours. The start is at 4 pm local time (midnight German time). The race in Mexico lasts over 45 laps and is broadcast live on Eurosport. On Tuesday, April 4, the channel will be showing a one-hour magazine about Formula E from 10 pm.