“The success in Mexico was good for all of us and has given us confidence” – di Grassi

Lucas di Grassi has fond memories of racing in the New York City E-Prix, with victory going his way back in race one in 2018 as well as his Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team securing the Teams’ Championship a day later with another visit to the podium.

The Brazilian, who was also victorious for the first time in the 2020-21 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season in race one of the Puebla E-Prix in Mexico, says the result last time out has given the team a lot of confidence heading to Brooklyn and into the remainder of the season.

And di Grassi says he has every intention of fighting for his second victory of the season this weekend.

“New York has always been good to us,” says di Grassi. “The success in Mexico was good for all of us and has given us confidence.

“Now, we want to clinch the next victory for Audi in New York.”

Team-mate René Rast has never raced in New York before, but after finishing second to di Grassi in the Puebla E-Prix, he says the aim is to repeat the success of Mexico in Brooklyn.

“I’ve never been to New York before, so I’m very curious about the city and all of its flair,” says Rast. “I only know the track from the simulator, but even then, it feels very exciting.

“Our goal now, of course, is to repeat the success from Mexico.” 

“A look at the standings shows how close everything is” – Allan McNish

Despite his victory, di Grassi sits only thirteenth in the championship standings heading to Brooklyn, while Rast is up in fourth, only twelve points off Edoardo Mortara, who holds top spot.

And Team Principal Allan McNish says with everyone so evenly matched, pretty much everyone is still in contention for the title with six rounds remaining.

“A look at the standings shows how close everything is,” said McNish.  “After nine races, everyone is pretty much still in the game.

“Literally every point counts this season and it’s precisely with this mindset of fighting for every single point that we’re going into the two races in New York.”

McNish knows mistakes around the narrow streets of Brooklyn will be punished, and with hot temperatures expected, he’s expecting a tough weekend for all.

“We’re expecting hot temperatures, very high humidity and, on top of that, we’ll be starting on a track that doesn’t forgive the slightest mistake,” said the Scot.

It was an Audi 1-2 in race one of the Puebla E-Prix, could they do it again in Brooklyn? Credit: FIA Formula E