2021 Formula E Puebla ePrix: Edoardo Mortara reigns supreme in Mexico
Drivers were put to the test once again as the Formula E bandwagon arrived in Mexico for Rounds Eight and Nine of the championship – only this time, they were greeted to an all-new track in Puebla that featured a fast-flowing layout. So, here's a look at how the action unfolded in Puebla...
By Divyank K. Bansal
A double podium, including a race win, for Rokit Venturi Racing in the Mexico double-header, has led to some unexpected changes on the Formula E leaderboard.
Drivers were put to the test once again as the Formula E bandwagon arrived in Mexico for Rounds Eight and Nine of the championship – only this time, they were greeted to an all-new track in Puebla that featured a fast-flowing layout. So, here's a look at how the action unfolded in Puebla...
Race One
The Superpole results were in favour of Porsche, Nissan and BMW as Pascal Wehrlein, Oliver Rowland and Jake Dennis managed to grab the top spots on the starting grid, respectively. From there, Wehrlein seemed determined to take the race win – evident from a flying start off the line. However, as the race was riddled with multiple safety car periods, constant changes in the racing order were inevitable. By the end though, it was Wehrlein who crossed the finish line ahead of Audi drivers Lucas di Grassi, René Rast and Rokit Venturi driver Edoardo Mortara. However, Wehrlein's joy was momentary as a technical infringement on Porsche's part led to the disqualification of the team and both drivers. As a result, di Grassi was declared race winner and Audi took home a one-two finish. Mortara, meanwhile, scored his third podium finish of the season.
As for the homegrown team, Mahindra Racing scored some valuable points, courtesy of Alexander Sims' fourth-place finish and teammate Alex Lynn finishing in the top ten as well.
Race Two
Edoardo Mortara carried over the momentum to Round Nine with a promising third-place start to the race. Ahead of him, once again, Oliver Rowland and Pascal Wehrlein took the top spots on the grid, respectively. The top runners were off to a good start, with Rowland leaping off the line to take the lead. This time, the Attack Mode played its part in shaking up the top order. Not to mention, previous race winner Lucas di Grassi ended up receiving a time penalty at the exit of the Attack Mode activation zone for shunting Mercedes' Nyck de Vries. After a fairly chaotic race, it was Mortara who emerged at the top and secured only his second-ever Formula E career victory. He was followed to the chequered flag by Porsche's Wehrlein and Envision Virgin Racing rookie Nick Cassidy, respectively.
However, Porsche was once again caught amidst a technical infringement storm. This time, Wehrlein was stripped of his second podium finish due to improper use of fanboost. Therefore, the German driver ended up with a post-race time penalty that relegated him to fourth place, giving the podium spots to Nick Cassidy and Nissan's Oliver Rowland.
Mahindra Racing achieved yet another strong result with Lynn finishing sixth overall – fetching another valuable eight points for the team. However, Mahindra's Round Nine result could have been better as their other driver – Alexander Sims – suffered a DNF.
After Mexico
Thanks to a stellar run in Mexico, Rokit Venturi's Edoardo Mortara now leads the drivers' championship with 72 points, 10 points clear of Envision Virgin Racing's Robin Frijns. In the manufacturers' title fight though, Mercedes-EQ still holds a slim lead over DS Techeetah, the former ruling the roost with 113 points compared to DS' 110.
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