Moscow ePrix Preview

Formula E’s European leg heads to Russia’s capital city Moscow for Round 9 of the inaugural season. The previous race at Berlin saw race winner Lucas di Grassi excluded from the race; the reason was due to “non-standardised parts” used on his ABT car.

The use of non-regulation front wheel fairings and modifications to the front wing and the front flap gurney promoted ex-Lotus racer Jerome D’Ambrosio to first place. The Belgians highest finish was a fourth place in Miami and this race win has marked an upturn in the Dragon teams’ performance in this latter half of the season.

“It was a great weekend for us overall. I think in the last four races we’ve had the pace to be on the podium but we didn’t always manage to put it all together in the race,” D’Ambrosio said. “This time we did it and it paid off! Not only am I happy about the result but I’m happy about the pace we’ve shown, which is important for the final run to the finish of the season. Of course Lucas got excluded but you have to have the pace to be up there and have a chance. We had the pace to fight for a win but it’s just came in slightly more unexpected circumstances.”

Di Grassi’s main rival and fellow countryman Nelson Piquet finished just outside the podium in 4th and gained the fastest lap to bag two valuable points bringing his total to 103. This means that Piquet Jnr has leaped ahead of di Grassi by 10 points. Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi has also made up ground and takes second spot behind Piquet with 101 points.

The Moscow ePrix takes place around the world famous Red Square and the Kremlin. It looks to be a stunning backdrop for a very technical looking circuit.

T1 and T2 follow two long straights as we head into a very tight series of 90 degree left handers of T3, 4, and 5. The long curve at T6 will give drivers a good run into the series of chicanes at T7, 8, and 9. Another straight with a sharp kink at T10 leads to double series of hairpins at T11, 12, and final onto T13 which opens up on to the home straight.

There are two driver changes for the Moscow ePrix. Antonio Garcia returns to Formula E with the NEXTEV China Racing, replacing Charles Pic. Garcia previously raced for China Racing in Punta del Este and tested for the team in Donington at the start of the season.

Former Minardi and Jaguar F1-racer and current IndyCar ace Justin Wilson joins the Andretti team. This will be the Briton’s first foray into electric racing as he replaces American driver Scott Speed.

With just 10 points covering the top 3 drivers, Moscow looks set to be a crucial race for the championship leaders.

The race takes place on Saturday 6th June.

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