Formula E

"All-wheel drive will be very interesting" - These 3 factors will be important at the Formula E race in Mexico

Timo Pape

Timo Pape

The technical innovations on the Gen3 Evo car already provided plenty of action at the Formula E season opener in Sao Paulo: the all-wheel drive in Attack Mode in combination with the softer tyres now provide a significant power surplus, which led to many overtake on the wide track in Brazil. In Mexico, however, the signs are a bit different.

The circuit at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is much narrower than the one in Sao Paulo. This makes overtaking more challenging and riskier - accidents and chaos are to be expected. "Overtaking will be more difficult than in Sao Paulo, but there will still be action, especially because Attack Mode is so powerful this year," Stoffel Vandoorne is certain.

Nissan team principal Tommaso Volpe also believes that the new four-wheel drive will be "very interesting" on the track in Mexico. His new reserve driver, Sergio Sette Camara, cites the famous "Peraltada" corner at the end of the lap as a concrete example: "With the new Gen3 Evo cars with all-wheel drive, it will be fantastic to see the field coming out of the last corner onto the long straight at full speed!

However, Cyril Blais, team principal of Maserati MSG Racing, says: "It's not just about the right speed on the straights. Last time we saw what different effects the Attack Mode has from a strategic point of view. It opens up many opportunities for us to utilise our extra power during the race."

"Dealing with tyre wear will be the key to success"

The tyres also play a crucial role in the strategy, as Mexico City is one of the most demanding Formula E circuits when it comes to tyre wear. This will present the teams with another challenge, as they still have to get used to the new softer and faster Hankook compound. "Careful management of tyre wear will be the key to success during the race," predicts Maserati's Blais. "We are working hard on our strategy to maximise our chances."

The situation is similar at Cupra Kiro. Russell O'Hagan, Chief Operating Officer at the new Porsche customer team, says: "It will be an interesting event and we expect the new tyres to play a big part in that. Especially how we all prepare for qualifying."

"Qualifying is very important - more important than Sao Paulo - so we need to make sure we set the car up perfectly," explains his driver Dan Ticktum, referring to the tight track layout. In addition to the perfect use of the Attack Mode and tyres, performance on one fast lap is also likely to be crucial for success.

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