Formula E: Buemi (3rd) makes up points
FIRST VICTORY FOR AUDI With third place in Mexico City, Sébastien Buemi in the Renault Z.E.17 made up some points in the FIA Formula E standings on the top of the table, which was less well ranked at the fifth round. Audi celebrated its first victory as a factory team with Daniel Abt. As the fastest of all four qualifying groups, Sébastien Buemi once again managed to [...]
As the fastest of all four qualifying groups, Sébastien Buemi once again made it into top-5 qualifying. Unfortunately, the 29-year-old Renault works driver didn't manage the decisive lap in the individual time trial so well that he had to make do with third place on the grid.
The Vaudois held this position after the start on the 2.1km short version of the GP circuit in Mexico City. He moved up one place after the retirement of second-placed Swede Felix Rosenqvist in the Mahindra.
Rehabilitation for disqualification in Hong Kong
However, it was Daniel Abt's day. First he overtook Buemi on the 23rd lap (of 47). After a lightning-fast car change (there is no longer a minimum time requirement), the man from Allgäu took the lead and never relinquished it.
After the son of team owner Hans-Jürgen Abt had been disqualified in Hong Kong due to a team error, this now meant the first victory for him, for a German driver in Formula E and for Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler as a factory team.
Thanks to the extra power provided by the fan boost, Buemi was able to mount a successful attack against Chile winner Vergne in the second half of the race and thus regain third place. However, the Swiss was unable to find a way past second-placed Oliver Turvey and thus finished third as in Chile.
A summary of the race shows this video:
https://www.facebook.com/fiaformulae/videos/1830879990285207/
First win of the season must come in Uruguay
With championship leader Jean-Eric Vergne having to settle for fifth place behind Nelson Piquet jr. and third-placed Sam Bird coming away empty-handed, Buemi made up some championship points.
Sébastien Buemi: "You always want more, of course, but I'm satisfied with this, especially as this is now my 20th podium in Formula E. I'm happy with the result. But now we're immediately focusing on the next race in Uruguay, where we've already won twice. The goal is to have a say in the victory there."
Edoardo Mortara also showed a strong race. The driver from Geneva had to get to the back of the grid after slamming on his brakes in qualifying. With a faultless drive, he worked his way up to eighth place and thus scored four points.
Standings after 5 of 12 rounds: 1st Jean-Eric Vergne, Techeetah, 81; 2nd Felix Rosenqvist, Mahindra Racing, 69; 3rd Sam Bird, DS Virgin Racing, 61; 4th Sébastien Buemi, Renault e.dams, 52; 5th Nelson Piquet Jr, Panasonic Jaguar Racing; 45; etc.
Next race: March 17, Punta del Este (URU).
