The Mexico factor

In the world of Formula E racing, few venues can turn on the excitement quite like Mexico – and in the past, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler has been the team to respond to that radiated excitement the most successfully.

The only truly permanent racetrack of the international Formula E calendar, the Mexican fans are what makes the real difference, packing the stands in their thousands and voicing their support for the all-electric racing formula. With as many as 40,000 spectators crammed into the stands, the drivers say that even in the thick of battle, they can hear the crowd, and it is to this environment that the FIA Formula E Championship returns this weekend for the next round of the 2020 championship.

For Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, the circuit has proved to be a successful one, with Lucas di Grassi taking last year’s race after a breathtaking manoeuvre right at the end to give him his second Mexico E-Prix victory (he also won at the track in 2017). In 2018, teammate, Daniel Abt, scored his first ever Formula E win in Mexico and was so taken with this monumental achievement in his racing career, that he celebrated with a Mexican Skull tattoo on his upper arm to remember that first Formula E victory.

“Mexico is a special place for me – not only because that’s where I celebrated my first victory, but because the enthusiasm of the crowd makes for a fantastic atmosphere every year,” said Daniel Abt. “I always take a lot of time out to be with the fans and ride the wave of their euphoria for a while. My first trophy this season is overdue and celebrating it on the podium in Mexico on Saturday afternoon would be brilliant.” 

“Thinking about the race last season still makes me smile – that was something you will probably only experience once – it was pure adrenaline,” says Lucas di Grassi, remembering his ‘close one’ last year, when he clinched the win 10 mergers from the finish line.

“We know our strengths and are determined to fight for victory – although it won’t necessarily have to be such a close one again.” 

This year, the track has been significantly redesigned, with an extra section added to make it 2.606km – 25 percent longer than before. This addition should provide additional overtaking opportunities, but will also force teams to monitor energy management even more closely that evert before.

“The new layout brings another element of suspense into play, because once again it will be important to quickly home in on the new track,” says Team Principal Allan McNish. “Subjectively, we fell short of our potential in the first three races: We had the performance, but after difficult qualifying sessions, did not go home with enough points. In Mexico, the team, the drivers and the car have always felt very comfortable so far. Our goal is to focus on our total package and to nail down success.” 

The race in Mexico will start this Sunday at 7am AEST time, an d all international channels including the broadcast schedule can be found online at www.fiaformulae.com.