Audi’s difficult season continued in Mexico and Lucas Di Grassi once again fought from the rear of the field to score points in Mexico E-Prix.
After three consecutive victories in Mexico, the German team never looked like they could continue as the only team to cross the line first in Mexico. The day got off to a bad start when a software glitch caused Daniel Abt to crash when pressed his Fanboost button in Free Practice 1. Abt was taken to hospital and missed FP2 and qualifying, but was cleared to start the race from the back of the grid.
“This was the most violent impact of my career,” said Abt, who was flown by helicopter to a hospital for examinations as a precaution. “I am glad that the cars are so safe and that I survived today almost unharmed.”
“It was a great achievement of my crew to get the car ready to race again. But of course, it was clear that it would be a very difficult race for me from almost the back of the field and with practically no practice. Now it’s all about getting fit again before Marrakesh.”
Di Grassi struggled for pace in Group 1 in qualifying and started the race from 15th. The Brazilian was able to move his way forward in the race to score eight points by finishing in sixth which maintained his fifth place in the Driver’s Standings, but it also means he will be out in Group 1 for qualifying again in Marrakesh.
“This was a tough race,” said di Grassi. “Although we scored good points, I’m not 100 percent happy. We did not have the pace in the race to move up further. We have to work hard to get stronger in qualifying, but also in the race.”
Team Principal Allan McNish was happy that the team scored points, but agrees that the team still has work to do to be more competitive this season.
“This was a turbulent day for us,” said Team Principal Allan McNish. “For Daniel, it started in a bad way with the crash, and for Lucas, with the difficult qualifying, it didn’t get off very well either.”
“But, we still scored important points. Coming through from 15th on the grid to 6th keeps Lucas right in the title fight. That Daniel was able to start at all was a great team effort. It wasn’t an easy day for us, but we’re already fully focused on the next race in Marrakesh.”