Audi wins in Berlin

Berlin has once again proved a happy hunting ground for Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler with Lucas di Grassi racing from third place on the grid to claim this year’s Berlin E-Prix. Last year it was teammate Daniel Abt who notched up a valuable win on home soil, but in 2019 there was no stopping the Brazilian who turned in a dominant performance.

The win was di Grassi’s 10th in Formula E and the 40th Formula E podium for Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler – the result, along with sixth for Abt putting the team in second position in the overall standings, while di Grassi cemented his place in second on the drivers’ listing.

Starting from third position on the grid, di Grassi hit the lead after just five laps and never looked back, dominating the field and setting fastest race lap in the process. 

“I knew that we’d be able to win today,” said di Grassi after the race. “That was a very strategic race today, it was about energy management and we showed that our car is very efficient. Winning Audi’s home round in front of such an enthusiastic crowd is simply fantastic. We’re back in the title race and are going to have a big party tonight.” 

Teammate Daniel Abt was also quick, but after starting from sixth on the grid, damaged his steering column after a brush with a competitor, ultimately finishing in sixth but scoring valuable points for the team.

“It was a fantastic race for us,” enthused Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass after the race. “Another home victory for Audi in Berlin – after Daniel’s win last year, Lucas scored this time. He drove a fantastic race and made no mistakes. Daniel’s sixth place helps us in the battle for the teams’ championship. The entire squad worked extremely hard for this success. Thank you to everyone who was involved in this. Winning on home soil in front of such a tremendous audience with so many fans and employees is particularly sweet. Now we’re already looking forward to Formula E’s premiere in Bern.”

Certainly the 2018/19 Formula E season is coming down to the wire yet again with just three races remaining – one in Bern on June 22 and the two final races in New York on July 13 and 14. With plenty of points still available, both Lucas di Grassi and Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler are well placed to add more silverware to the trophy cabinet come July.