Historic win in Switzerland

More than 100,000 people turned out over the weekend to watch history in the making. The FIA Formula E championship rolled into picturesque Zurich for what was the first E-Prix on Swiss soil. Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler continued its strong performances of recent rounds, this time defending world champion, Lucas di Grassi claiming victory, while teammate suffered damage after being rear-ended on lap one and unfortunately finished well down the order.

Nevertheless, the performance further strengthened Audi’s run to the flag, closing the manufacturer’s gap by a further 11 points on series leaders, Techeetah.

Lucas di Grassi also improved his own standings on the leader board, moving up into the third outright with just two races remaining in the 2017/18 season.

The first international motorsport event to be held in Switzerland since 1954 did not disappoint. Starting in fifth position, di Grassi took just 18 laps to take the lead, which he held uncontested until the end of the race. Indeed, at the end of the 39 lap race along the shores of Lake Zurich, di Grassi had built a commanding 7.542 second lead over his nearest rival. 

“Winning the first circuit race on Swiss soil after more than 64 years is simply fantastic. My Audi e-tron FE04 was superfast today and allowed me to win the race from fifth place on the grid,” said an ecstatic di Grassi as he accepted the winner’s trophy from City President Corine Mauch. “Lucas timed his attacks with absolute perfection,” said Team Principal Allan McNish. “I’m especially happy for his crew that had a difficult start of the season and now has fully come back. And of course, after the home round in Berlin, it’s fantastic for Audi to have won the first circuit race in Switzerland in 64 years as well.”

As pleasing as the result was, it was disappointing for Daniel Abt, who won the last round, only to finish 13th after his car was damaged by fellow competitor Nelson Piquet. “The guys replaced the rear wing super-fast,” said Abt. “But we would have needed a safety car to get back into the race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t deployed. I’m very disappointed but happy for Lucas (di Grassi) and the team.” “For Daniel (Abt), it was really unfortunate,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “In the collision on lap one there was absolutely nothing he could do. Still, it was a great day for us. It was a fantastic event with an incredible turnout of enthusiastic spectators, a great atmosphere and a superb facility. Lucas (di Grassi) drove a fantastic race. It doesn’t happen very often that when you start the race from fifth position you overtake all the cars in front of you and win the race.” 

The final two races of the 2017/18 season will take place in New York (USA) on July 14 and 15.