Press release
17KB
january 31, 2022 - ABB
Mercedes-EQ dominate to take first win of new ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season
Reigning World Champion #nyckdevries started the new ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season in dominant fashion after winning the first race of the season at the Diriyah UNESCO World Heritage Site. De Vries took advantage of an uncharacteristic slip-up by Mercedes-EQ teammate #stoffelvandoorne when the Belgian missed the ATTACK MODE activation line. The pair and Mercedes-EQ were superior from then on, winding up eight seconds clear of third place Avalanche Andretti’s #jakedennis.
Jaguar TCS Racing's Sam Bird crossed the line a fighting fourth, with TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E's Andre Lotterer looking strong early on - particularly in a feisty duel with Dennis - but eventually slipped down from a provisional podium position as his usable energy became ever more marginal as the race drew on.
Lucas di Grassi finished fifth on debut for ROKiT Venturi #racing just ahead of teammate #edoardomortara and #nickcassidy - the Envision #racing man also taking the point for TAG Heuer Fastest Lap.
DS TECHEETAH's #jeanericvergne followed in eighth, pipping rookie #oliveraskew who'll be happy with his first effort in the series and points on the board - no mean feat. Jaguar's #mitchevans rounded out the points-paying positions.
Formula E’s new knockout Duel qualifying format delivered a new challenge for all drivers with #stoffelvandoorne taking to it quickest and also claiming the Julius Baer Pole Position. After beating teammate and race winner Nyck de Vries in the semi final, Vandoorne saw off Avalanche Andretti’s #jakedennis in the final Duel on his way to sealing pole position.
Nyck de Vries, Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, #17, said: "The result might be the same, but the way we achieved it felt very different - obviously starting with yesterday tapping the wall in lap one didn't help. It put myself and the team on the backfoot, then you have to rebuild your confidence and the conditions were very slippery, very different to last year. There is always a lot of track evolution, so you have to build it up in FP2 and then straight into qualifying. So I was actually very happy with what we achieved in qualifying, and then I knew we had a strong race car to capitalise on our qualifying position. We had great pace, the team did a great job and I was a bit fortunate with Stoff missing his ATTACK MODE, but at the end of the day it was faultless from our garage and we managed to win the first race. I am very pleased with the way we managed to win this race and start the season strong."
Stoffel Vandoorne, Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, #5, said: "I'm a little bit disappointed, I think it's not bad to be disappointed with the second place today. I was leading the race, everything was under control, we had really strong pace in the car today - but then I missed the loop on the second attack activation which handed the position to Nyck. We were pushing each other, cruising away from the others and had a one-two finish for the team. It's been a great team result. I can't be disappointed, qualifying on pole in the first new qualifying format - to finish second today is a good one and we have another opportunity tomorrow. You can never have relief in Formula E. The nature of the Championship is so close that the moment you give up a bit of performance, someone else is going to be there. It is not a guarantee that we win today we win tomorrow, but we are going to try and do everything to repeat the performance in qualifying, and from my side do a bit better in the race."
Jake Dennis, Avalanche Andretti, #27, said: "I felt quite comfortable behind the Mercedes, I think we were on the same strategy, things were looking quite good, but when the top four breakaway it isn't the best being in third as it allows the car behind to have free attack zones. André (Lotterer) undercutting us ruined our race a bit, but I wanted a podium so bad today – we deserved it as a team. We tried it the first time, completely got it wrong, but the second time I learned from my mistakes and put it right, got the overtake done and then we pulled clear and tried to close down the Mercedes, but they were a little too quick in the end. We had a great race."
The second race of the season and of the weekend will take place on Satuday 29 January starting at 20:00 KSA / 17:00 GMT. Details of all live sessions available via WAYS TO WATCH: Where and how to watch every minute of Season 8.
1018978651-LAT-20220128-EPS801 135454SG1 8443
4176x2784, 1MB
1018979532-LAT-20220128-EPS801 170807 AF 8803
5808x3872, 3MB
1018979657-LAT-20220128-EPS801 180803 J6I7939
5244x3496, 1MB
1018979926-LAT-20220128-EPS801 191349 J6I8393
5472x3648, 7MB
1018979979-LAT-20220128-EPS801 192033SB3 4748
5568x3712, 2MB
1018979980-LAT-20220128-EPS801 173033 AF 8934
5278x3518, 2MB
Related news |
||
|
|
|
april 24, 2024
|
april 22, 2024
|
april 15, 2024
|
|
Rowland and Fenestraz targeting big points at one of motorsport’s most famous tracksYOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Formula E Team is rea... |
Jaguar TCS Racing currently lead the Teams' World Championship with 128 points, with Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans fourth and seven... |
The second race of the Misano E-Prix in Italy was as action-packed as the day before Jean-Éric Vergne scored points for the sixth ... |
Download all 
You might be interested in |
||
|
|
|
april 15, 2024
|
april 15, 2024
|
april 14, 2024
|
|
Nick Cassidy takes his fourth podium of the season for Jaguar TCS Racing in Misano, ItalyMitch Evans had a challenging day and ret... |
Rowland takes a victory while Fenestraz finishes in top-10 in both racesMISANO, Italy – Nissan Formula E Team scored its first vic... |
In Misano, Italy, ABT CUPRA has achieved the best result since its Formula E comeback almost one and a half years ago: After Luca... |
Download all 
Share
Share via mail 
Automotive
Sport
Events
Art&Culture
Design
Fashion&Beauty
Food&Hospitality
Technology
Nautica
Racing
Excellence
Corporate
OffBeat
Green
Gift
Pop
Heritage
Entertainment
Health & Wellness