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Piquet Jr: “We can crack the top three”

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Nelson Piquet Jr is confident that his team has what it takes to be competitive approaching the Mexico City ePrix, but remains coy on where the team might be in the pecking order.

The season one champion has set a personal aim of taking his first podium since his title-winning campaign and fighting with the top teams.

Coming into what Piquet Jr describes as “a special race”, the Brazilian praised the atmosphere at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and also alluded to the ease of overtaking at the Mexican venue.

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“It’s always a little difficult to know exactly how it’s going to be but like every weekend we have to envisage that it’s going to be good. Every race weekend will be a challenge but we believe if everything works out and we have a perfect race then we can crack the top three and try to get our first podium since season one. “

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“There’s a lot of braking into corners, like the second and last chicanes. We are trying to regenerate energy so those sections make that a little bit difficult. The best section is the stadium full of people and you can hear the people cheering there during the race. “

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“It’s not that difficult to pass on the Mexico track; it should be something manageable if we have a good car. If the track is easier at this race in terms of temperature it will be slightly easier for everyone so let’s see.”

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“It’s always fun to have good crowds and Formula E has been really well received in Mexico – last year’s race was incredible for the fans. Only in a Formula E car can you hear the crowds when they cheer so it’s definitely a special race for that aspect.”

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“The races have been spread quite far apart in the early part of the season but that definitely doesn’t affect my focus. I can’t wait to get back in the car in Mexico and then once we move over to Europe the season moves at a good pace.”

“It’s been a pretty busy month since Buenos Aires for me as I’ve been testing ahead of the World Endurance Championship, which I’m also competing in this year, and also doing several simulator tests with NextEV NIO ahead of Mexico.”

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Main image courtesy of NextEV NIO
Support images courtesy of FIA Formula E Media

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About Topher Smith
Topher is an experienced and passionate Motorsport journalist with Formula E, Formula 1, GP2/F2, GP3 and IndyCar all on his resume. When he isn't at the trackside you can find him furthering his own capabilities and knowledge through his endless search for original ideas and material. Also plays league pool.