The season opener also marks the racing debut of two more Audi e-tron FE05 cars from Envision Virgin Racing. The race team from the UK with its drivers Sam Bird and Robin Frijns is using Audi’s race car this season, including the powertrain around the Audi Schaeffler MGU03 motor-generator unit. “It’s great that, together with Envision Virgin Racing, four Audi e-tron FE05 cars will be battling for trophies this season,“says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “That this renowned team has opted for our powertrain also confirms the outstanding work done by our engineers together with their colleagues from our development partner Schaeffler.”
In spite of all the changes in the Formula E environment, Audi relies on continuity within the team: Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi are two of only five drivers in the field who have competed in all 45 Formula E races held to date. With 35 podiums, their track record reflects by far the largest number of successes. Lucas di Grassi with 27 trophies and 611 points is the most successful driver in Formula E’s young four-year history.
“It’s hard to believe: now, at age 26, I’m already one of the seasoned drivers in a racing series,” says Daniel Abt with a smile. “But when looking at all of the things that are going to change in Formula E, then all 22 drivers in the new season will arguably be rookies again. We worked hard over the last few months both on and off the track. Now we want to manage the best possible start in Riyadh and have a first impressive showing.”
After four years of starting in the Far East, Saudi Arabia is hosting the season opener for the first time. The 2.494-kilometer circuit with its long straight and 90-degree turns in front of a historic backdrop promises a thrilling race day. “We want to take the momentum from last season with us: as a team, we most recently stood on the podium eight consecutive times and would like to extend this string of success,” says Lucas di Grassi. “Our e-tron FE05 is a powerful car, the team has matured once again and gelled even more closely. Obviously, the competition will be tougher because everyone is investing more in Formula E. We challenged every detail and improved once again. We’re ready.”
On Sunday after the race (December 16), another Formula E test day has been scheduled in Ad Diriyah. For Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, test and development driver Nico Müller will then take over the cockpit of an Audi e-tron FE05.