At the racing debut of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship contested on the rainy Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia, the Porsche 99X Electric racing cars fielded by the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team did not make it to the finish line. In the event overshadowed by incidents, Pascal Wehrlein (GER/#99) concluded race five in the pits and was thus excluded from the classification. Recently in Rome, he had claimed the first podium of the season. His teammate André Lotterer (GER/#36) also retired from the race. As a result, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team did not earn points for the first time this season.
Race 5
After a strong performance in Rome, Pascal Wehrlein was unable to join the fight for top positions in Valencia. Taking up the race from fifth place, he drove a solid race but, for safety reasons, had to pit shortly before the flag due to a technical problem with the brakes. André Lotterer narrowly missed the Super Pole by two-hundredths of a second after penalties reshuffled two competitors in front of him. Having caused a collision in the first lap at the entry to the chicane, he was handed a drive-through penalty which relegated him to the back of the field. While he managed to make up a few positions during the final phase, a collision with a competitor resulted in him going off the track.
Quotes on the Valencia E-Prix, Race 5
Amiel Lindesay, Head of Operations Formula E: « A contact shortly after the start and a technical problem with the brakes cost us important points today. We did well in terms of pace and energy. With about five minutes left on the clock, both cars experienced technical problems with the brakes. It was a difficult race for us. We have to take a very close look at the details then we’ll be back to attack on Sunday. »
Pascal Wehrlein, Porsche works driver (#99): « The day actually started well. We were pleased with tenth in qualifying as I started in the first qualifying group. We were strong at the start of the race and I managed to gain a couple of positions. Towards the end, I was running in sixth place but unfortunately had to pit with brake problems. We now have to see what happened and concentrate on tomorrow.
André Lotterer, Porsche works driver (#36): « Fifth on the grid was good. Unfortunately, I couldn’t prevent the collision with Sébastien (Buemi) on the first lap. Eventually, I rejoined the race before retiring with brake troubles. Now it’s time to keep our heads up and focus on tomorrow’s race. »