aprile 13, 2019 - BMW Motorsport

António Félix da Costa in the points again at the first European race of the Formula E season in Rome

Comunicato Stampa disponibile solo in lingua originale.

Press release available only in original language.

Rome. António Félix da Costa (POR) finished ninth to pick up more points for BMW i Andretti Motorsport in an eventful seventh race of this season’s ABB FIA Formula E Championship. Alexander Sims (GBR) was unlucky and ended the Geox Rome E-Prix in 17^th place.

As the leader in the Drivers’ Championship, Félix da Costa went out in the first group in qualifying. Although he was the fastest in that group, he ultimately had to settle for 13^thplace. The first group once again had to contend with the toughest track conditions, which prevented any faster lap times. Grid penalties awarded to two competitors saw Félix da Costa promoted to eleventh place on the grid. The E-Prix was suspended as early as lap two, however, following a crash. It was 45 minutes before the cars were able to return to the track behind the BMW i8 Coupé Safety Car.

Stuck in the pack, Félix da Costa fought hard for every position throughout the race, and eventually came home in a hard-earned ninth place. The Portuguese driver is now second in the Drivers’ Championship, while BMW i Andretti Motorsport lies fifth in the Team standings.

Sims was struck by misfortune as early as qualifying. A technical issue brought him to a halt on his flying lap, meaning he had to start the race from the back of the field. He then damaged the front of his BMW iFE.18 on the slippery track on lap one. After the restart, he was handed a 10-second stop-and-go penalty by race control. Sims eventually crossed the finish line in 17^th place. Victory went to Mitch Evans (AUS, Jaguar Racing).

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