Porsche has officially launched its racing season at the Mexico City E-Prix, a venue where the brand has celebrated significant victories in the past. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of electric racing, featuring the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team and its star drivers, Pascal Wehrlein and António Félix da Costa.
Key Takeaways
Porsche returns to the Mexico City E-Prix, a venue of historic success.
Pascal Wehrlein, recovering from an accident, will race in a replacement chassis.
António Félix da Costa is currently second in the drivers' standings.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has a capacity of 40,000 fans.
Porsche's Historic Success in Mexico
Porsche has a rich history in the Mexico City E-Prix, having achieved several milestones in Formula E. The 99X Electric secured its first victory in 2022, with Wehrlein and his former teammate André Lotterer finishing in a one-two position. The team also celebrated its first pole position in 2020, marking a significant achievement in its Formula E journey.
In 2023, Jake Dennis from the customer team Andretti Formula E added another victory for the 99X in Mexico. Last season, Wehrlein triumphed at the season opener, showcasing the team's strong performance in this electrifying series.
The Race Venue
The Mexico City E-Prix takes place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, which features a 2.630-kilometre track that includes a thrilling section through the Foro Sol baseball stadium. This unique layout not only enhances the racing experience but also allows for a vibrant atmosphere, with up to 40,000 fans cheering on their favorite teams.
The altitude of the track, situated at 2,285 meters above sea level, does not adversely affect the performance of the Porsche 99X Electric, which is designed for high efficiency and optimal performance.
Current Standings
As the season progresses, the standings after the first race are as follows:
Position | Driver | Points |
|---|---|---|
1 | Mitch Evans (NZL) | 25 |
2 | António Félix da Costa (POR) | 19 |
3 | Taylor Barnard (GBR) | 15 |
8 | Dan Ticktum (GBR) | 4 |
9 | Pascal Wehrlein (GER) | 3 |
17 | David Beckmann (GER) | 0 |
18 | Nico Müller (SUI) | 0 |
21 | Jake Dennis (GBR) | 0 |
Quotes from the Team
Florian Modlinger, Director of Factory Motorsport Formula E, expressed optimism about the upcoming race, stating, "We have fond memories of Mexico, and São Paulo has made me optimistic that we are well positioned once again."
Pascal Wehrlein, who is eager to return to racing, commented, "I’m pleased to be able to drive again in Mexico because the accident in São Paulo was a serious one. The festive season has helped me to recover, allowing me to go on the attack again."
António Félix da Costa shared his excitement, saying, "The fans, the atmosphere, and the track running through the stadium all make Mexico one of the best events of the season for me."
Looking Ahead
As Porsche embarks on its sixth season in Formula E, the team aims to leverage its experience and past successes to secure more victories. The Mexico City E-Prix is not just a race; it is a celebration of electric racing and Porsche's commitment to sustainability and innovation in motorsports. Fans can look forward to an exhilarating race on January 11, 2025, with qualifying starting earlier in the day.
Comments