The ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport team clinched its greatest result in its infant Formula E history on Hollywood’s doorstep: Lucas di Grassi won the race in Long Beach (USA) and in doing so reclaimed the championship lead in the electric racing series. Team mate Daniel Abt completed the triumph with a strong third place.
Mega party on the podium in California: after the setback in the last race, the ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport squad bounced back in impressive style with its first double podium in the one-and-a-half year history of Formula E. Di Grassi had also won three weeks ago, but was excluded in Mexico afterwards from the results because his car was too light. The jubilation after the Brazilian-German duos triumph in the USA was even greater.
“The victory was exactly the right reaction after the race in Mexico. Before the weekend, the entire team was absolutely committed to proving that the victory there was not a fluke,” said Lucas di Grassi. “We are racers, go to the limit and never give up. The crucial stage of the season now starts and we are more motivated than ever before to stay on track in the fast lane. I’m also absolutely delighted for Daniel. He’s a great guy and a strong driver – today he got his reward for this today.”
After starting the race from second on the grid, Lucas di Grassi overtook Sam Bird, who was leading at that time, before the pit stop with its obligatory car change. In the second half of the race, the Brazilian, who was once again awarded FanBoost and its accompanying extra portion of energy by the fans, pulled away and remained unfazed despite a late safety car stage that bunched up the field again.
Team mate Daniel Abt threw of the shackles in Long Beach and celebrated his second podium finish in Formula E. After setting a new lap record in free practice, the German only claimed sixth on the grid, but was in scintillating form yet again in the race. The self-confessed USA finished third and was finally rewarded for a strong season. “Perhaps it’s to do with the American air, but I was just in good form all the while here,” reported Abt. “I’m over the moon that all the cards finally fell into place. I’m even happier for the guys in the pits who haven’t had an easy time since the race in Mexico.”
After the races in Asia, South and North America, Formula E returns to Europe: on April 23, Lucas di Grassi, Daniel Abt and company compete in the heart of Paris with the Les Invalides as backdrop. Lucas di Grassi travels to the French capital atop the standings with a one point lead, the team is only six points behind the Renault factory team. “My compliments and congratulations to our two drivers, all the engineers and mechanics,” says Team Boss Hans-Jürgen Abt. “I’m incredibly proud of the entire team: Everybody was under immense pressure, but everybody performed fantastically.”
