Closed Circuit: ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport in Berlin

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The streets of Berlin were kind to the ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport team and their two drivers over the course of the weekend. German driver and local favourite, Daniel Abt, shared his second place with thousands of fans whilst on the podium, a podium that also included his team-mate di Grassi who secured third. Having both men on the podium means this is one of Abt’s strongest finishes since the championship began back in 2014.

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The team’s pace in the practice sessions were average. In the first practice around the Berlin track, hosting the eighth round of this season’s championship, Daniel finished the session in tenth and Lucas in third; di Grassi’s title rival Buemi quickest as the session drew to a close. Practice two was much of the same, not fantastic results eighth and tenth for Daniel and Lucas respectively.

However things did get better in qualifying. Lucas started by putting the car in tenth place on the grid, although was later promoted to eighth after the two Mahindra cars were penalised for a tyre pressure infringement. Local hero Abt managed to find the pace to secure a place in the super pole. He went on to set the third fastest time, just 0.041s off pole sitter Vergne.

Both men gained positions during the race and despite team orders being broadcast that di Grassi should in fact be the one to take second place, not Abt, both drivers remained in their positions. The third place finish for the Brazilian means di Grassi’s championship lead is now only one point between him and Sebastien Buemi as we approach the final two races in London. Abt also achieved his highest ePrix race finish in his career.

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[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Team Director Hans-Jürgen Abt: “Compliments and congratulations to Formula E and all the organizers: after the spectacular event in Paris several weeks ago, the race in Berlin proved to be yet another highlight. We’ll now paint the town red and then put everything that we have into the weekend in London.” [/pullquote]

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With the loss of Moscow to the FIA Formula E calendar, it was even more vital for Brazilian Lucas di Grassi to have a good result over the Berlin ePrix weekend. His performance was strong but championship rival Buemi came out on top, beating the two ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport drivers to a win in Berlin. This win now brings the gap between Lucas and Sebastien to just one point, once again bringing the championship decider to the final rounds in London.

His qualifying in tenth (then promoted to eighth after penalties were given to the two Mahrinda cars) was described by the team as “mediocre” but his battle on track during the race was sublime and saw him gain five places in a highly competitive field. It also marked the seventh time we had seen Lucas on the podium over the eight round of the 2015/16 season.

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Best time in FP1: 58.916.

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Best time in FP2: 59.076.

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Best time in qualifying: 58.183.

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Best time in the race: 59.793 (lap 30).

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Pit stop time and difference to minimum pit stop time: 1:03.052 (difference: 1.052).

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[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“First of all congratulations to Daniel, who thoroughly deserved second place after his excellent qualifying and race. Today I got the maximum out of my starting position. We can be proud of ourselves once again. The biggest winner today is the Formula E fan: they didn’t just enjoy a fantastic event in Berlin, but can now look forward to an unbelievable finale.” [/pullquote]

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Daniel Abt spent most of the week on an almighty press tour promoting the ePrix to his fellow countrymen. His efforts paid off as he scored his highest place finish in the series so far over the weekend. Post-race interviews heard Abt praising his team, partners and friends that had made his weekend an “unforgettable event”.

The ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport driver also made it through the super pole, putting the car in a solid third position. As well as a spotless performance from the German driver, he was also sure to credit the team and their perfectly timed pit stop which assisted in his strong second place finish.

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Best time in FP1: 59.583.

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Best time in FP2: 58.363.

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Best time in qualifying: 57.798 (group session).

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Best time in the race: 59.950 (lap 37).

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Pit stop time and difference to minimum pit stop time: 1:02.536 (difference: 0.536).

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[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I’m absolutely delighted because I really wanted to mount the podium at my home race. Thanks to my entire team, to every partner and friend who helped turn these days in Berlin into an unforgettable event.” [/pullquote]

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Images courtesy of Rajan Jangda

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