Formula E LONG BEACH EPRIX NEWS LETTER
The Long Beach ePrix weekend left the Andretti Formula E Team with mixed emotions after Simona de Silvestro had her best finish of the season while Robin Frijns was the victim of a bad overtaking early on in the race.
The Long Beach ePrix was the home race of the Andretti Formula E Team as it was the only U.S. based race on the season two schedule. Frijns narrowly missed out on Super Pole with a sixth place qualifying effort while de Silvestro qualified thirteenth. Both drivers advanced one position prior to the green flag due to penalties given to Antonio Felix Da Costa, which stripped him of his pole.
Starting from fifth, Frijns’ weekend was looking to close on a high note. The No. 27 Amlin Andretti car performed well all weekend, Frijns was consistently at the front of the pack in both practices. Shortly into the race Frijns was gaining ground, he advanced to fourth position.
After a successful advancement, Sebastien Buemi attempted an overly zealous overtaking and hit the back of Frijns car. Frijns continued without his rear wing in order to save time. However, he was black flagged for the damage and forced to pit and switch to his second car. With over half of the race left Frijns had to conserve energy rather than compete for the lead. He diligently hit each energy mark and completed the race. Frijns finished the race 15th and is now ninth in the driver points championship.
Starting from 12th , de Silvestro steadily gained position in her No. 28 Amlin Andretti car throughout the race, capitalizing on competitors mistakes. While some drivers dropped in the field due to overuse of energy, de Silvestro hit her energy marks giving her the ability to overtake at the end of the race. The Iron Maiden finished the race in the ninth position and is now 17th in the drivers points championship.
This was the first time de Silvestro scored points this season. She is also the first female driver in Formula E history to have scored points in the all-electric series. de Silvestro felt the accomplishment was even more special because it took place at Long Beach. She considers the event her home track due to the majority of her race career-taking place in the U.S.
The Andretti Formula E Team sits seventh in the team points championship. They will next head to Paris, France for the Paris ePrix. The event takes place Saturday, April 23. Paris ePrix is shaping up to be a popular one as general admission is sold out. Media accreditation must be complete by April 12.
