Heidfeld makes history with podium finish

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Nick Heidfeld made a new record with his third place finish in the Monaco ePrix, becoming the first driver to take a podium around the Principality in both Formula E and Formula 1.

The German took podiums in the Monaco Grand Prix twice in 2005 and 2007, once with Williams and once with BMW Sauber. He added that he has also been on the podium in two other categories and that he would to have taken the victory.

“I might be the first person to take a Monaco podium in four different categories, I also did it in Formula 3 and Formula 3000, where I won,” said Heidfeld. “This is quite cool to do that in Monaco, but I would prefer to be in the middle!”

The Mahindra Racing driver started the race in eighth place and took full advantage of an accordion effect amongst the drivers around him to move up to P5, a move which he can’t wait to relive when he gets home.

“That was an awesome feeling! I want to watch that again on video!” said Heidfeld with a huge smile on his face. “Before the race start I knew there might be a chance of cars lining up, especially on the inside, but it’s then quite a high risk to going on the outside as drivers suddenly start to defend and then you need to come back in line, as we’ve seen in season one with the crash into turn two.

“So I took a chance and tried to make sure after overtaking a lot of cars to get back in line and not crash into anyone.”

Heidfeld then took full advantage of the clash between Jean-Eric Vergne and Nelson Piquet Jr to move up to a podium position, of which he spoke before describing the rest of his race.

“I had reasonable pace then took advantage of the gamble and the shunt in front of me to move up to P3. At the safety car it was quite clear to us that we had to pit, it didn’t change much of the race, I just hoped I could stay close to the two leaders but to be honest I tried everything and it was not possible, but at least I could make a gap to the cars behind.

“Actually then, I tried to save a bit more energy than needed in case something happened and we needed another safety car, but you always have to be on your toes.

“I was hoping something else would happen before finishing the race but there was not much happening, just another car in front of me who probably went for quickest lap, who I think spun or did something strange in turn three and nearly blocked the circuit, there’s no time to relax around Monaco.”

With only two drivers ahead of him on the road, Heidfeld accepted that Sebastien Buemi and Lucas di Grassi were too quick and explained that he was not hoping for an incident between the duo.

“No, actually not! Probably if I was starting third or something, but starting eighth and finishing on the podium was quite rewarding. If the two guys in front crash you take it, but it’s not how you want to win or go on the podium.

“They were too far ahead and we all had a similar amount of energy. After the safety car when we were all in line, I hoped to keep up and take advantage if they fought, but after a few laps it unfortunately became clear that I couldn’t keep up with the leaders but P3 isn’t bad.”

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Image courtesy of Rajan Jangda

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