Audi unable to implement Formula E reliability fix for di Grassi in Mexico

Audi cannot introduce a fix for Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi’s ongoing reliability issues in time for the next race in Mexico, despite believing it has identified the root of the problem. 

Di Grassi has endured a disastrous start to his title defence campaign and is the only full-time Formula E driver who is yet to score a point this season, having been hampered by a series of problems in each of the first four races. 

Following weeks of analysis into the technical problems that di Grassi has suffered, his Audi ABT Schaeffler team is confident it has has now found both cause and a possible solution. 

But Audi’s head of motorsport Dieter Gass says an FIA regulation is holding the squad back from implementing any changes until the Punta del Este round in March. 

“Unfortunately, the FIA regulations do not allow us to implement the changes until a 30 day period has expired,” Gass claimed. 

“Although we’re obviously not happy about this situation, we are optimistic that the permanent track characteristics, much like in pre season testing, do not exaggerate any problems.” 

Di Grassi and Audi ran problem-free on its way to clocking up the most mileage of any team during pre-season testing at Valencia, but the German outfit has picked up just 12 points so far in the 2017/2018 campaign and sits eighth in the teams’ standings. 

Adding to his already-sizeable task in Mexico City, di Grassi will take a 10-place grid penalty for the second successive race after Audi changed the inverter in his Audi e-tron FE04 following his retirement in Santiago. The Brazilian pulled off a remarkable victory from 15th place at last year’s race, before being disqualified. 

“At the moment, we’re going through a tough time in our young Formula E history,” Audi team principal Alan McNish said. “But we are as determined as ever and will continue to push to the maximum with Daniel [Abt] and Lucas in spite of the current challenges.

“We all know how unpredictable a race day can be in Formula E – Lucas’ spectacular victory last year showed that well.”