– Preview: Cape Town E-Prix, 25 February, round 5 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
– Pascal Wehrlein (GER) competes in the Porsche 99X Electric as the leader of the Drivers’ World Championship.
– António Félix da Costa (POR) heads to Cape Town feeling confident after his first podium for Porsche.
– This Formula E event is the first in South Africa.
With the Cape Town E-Prix on 25 February, the innovative electric racing series celebrates its second premiere of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season. The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team fields two Porsche 99X Electric in the picture postcard setting of the South African metropolis.
Another unfamiliar racetrack awaits teams and drivers in Cape Town – only two weeks after the race in Hyderabad. Pascal Wehrlein and António Félix da Costa from the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team underlined in India that they can easily handle such challenges: The German extended his lead in the drivers’ standings, with his Portuguese teammate clinching his first podium for Porsche. In the team rankings, the squad from Weissach moved to the top of the leaderboard for the first time in its fourth Formula E season.
The Porsche customer team Avalanche Andretti will also tackle the race in Cape Town with two Porsche 99X Electric. The racing crew of the American motorsport legend Michael Andretti currently ranks second in the team standings behind the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. Competing for the team are Jake Dennis (GBR), currently second in the drivers’ classification, and André Lotterer (GER).
Q&A on the Cape Town E-Prix
Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E
You took the lead in the world championship in Hyderabad under tricky conditions. How did you manage that? What sets your team apart?
« It was possibly due to the sensational team effort. Starting with the mechanics who rebuilt the car overnight after Pascal’s accident during the practice session, to the engineers who analysed the data and fixed the problems. And let’s not forget the drivers. Missing the first free practice was a clear disadvantage compared to their rivals but they made the most out of it. Pascal in particular made a huge impression with his mental grit and incredible performance on race day. I’m extremely proud of the attitude and willpower of everyone on the team. »
They didn’t let setbacks throw them out of kilter. Where does this mental toughness come from?
« The team has an incredible spirit and impressive tenacity. We focussed on this pre-season, and I think we saw the result of this work in Hyderabad. To stand strong and united after such a setback and get the most out of the situation is what makes a top team. »
How do you regard the state of play after the first quarter of the Formula E season?
« We had a sensational start to the season and we’ve demonstrated that our Porsche 99X Electric is capable of winning on different racetracks. The team and drivers have maintained an incredible focus in the first four races. We must keep working hard to remain among the frontrunners in the future. There’s still potential in the overall package. We have to tap into that. The situation can change quickly because the learning curve with the new cars is still very steep. That’s why we must ensure that our package continues to evolve from race to race. »
António Félix da Costa, Porsche works driver (#13)
How relieved were you after clinching your first podium as a Porsche works driver?
« It wasn’t so much relief that I felt but more happy and satisfied that the work with my team led to such a great result. But we’re not quite where we want to be. I still need to get to know the car better so that I can tap into its full potential. The support I receive from my team and engineers helps tremendously. We’re making good progress. It felt great to achieve my first podium for Porsche. »
You’re facing another completely new racetrack in Cape Town within just two weeks of Hyderabad. What’s the biggest challenge?
« A new circuit is always tricky, making meticulous preparation all the more important. Without being able to draw on experience from previous years, we have to do more foundation work in the simulator. That takes time. However, we adjusted well to the new circuit in Hyderabad and I’m very confident we’ll do the same in Cape Town. We’ve gained a lot of experience and we now know how the process works. »
Pascal Wehrlein, Porsche works driver (#94)
You had a rocky start to the race weekend in Hyderabad but it ended on a positive note. What have you learned heading to Cape Town?
« It certainly wasn’t an easy weekend. We only get two practice sessions for each race and so it’s not ideal for preparation when you miss out on one because of an incident. Still, we made the best of it. Our mechanics worked through the night with only an hour’s sleep to put my car back on the track. I was in the hospital until late at night. So with this in mind, I’m very happy with the result. These points are crucial for the championship. »
Not everything ran to plan in qualifying. What happened there and what do you expect in Cape Town?
« Because of the missed practice, we didn’t have much time to tweak the setup of my car to the track in Hyderabad. In this respect, the qualifying is no indication of our true performance level. In Cape Town, we face a new track with new conditions. We need to find out what it takes to be fast on this circuit. Like all the others, we’re starting from scratch. As far as the city of Cape Town is concerned, this is definitely a highlight of the season. I’m looking forward to it and I’m thrilled to have the chance to race in such a fantastic place. »
The circuit
The 2.927-kilometre racetrack winds around the 2010 FIFA world cup stadium and through two of the city’s trendiest districts. Green Point and Waterfront. Featuring long straights and just twelve turns, this circuit is one of the fastest on the Formula E calendar.