Audi/Michelin on top again in Berlin

The 2019 Berlin E-Prix saw three ex-Formula E champions monopolise the podium, with Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler/Michelin’s Lucas di Grassi finishing on the top step, ahead of Sébastien Buemi (2nd, Nissan e.dams/Michelin) and Jean-Eric Vergne (3rd, DS Techeetah/Michelin). As anticipated, the abrasive track at the former Tempelhof Airport proved a big test for Michelin’s Formula E tyre.

Lucas di Grassi collected the 10th Formula E victory of his career and his second of the 2018/2019 season after appearing in front on Lap 5 and gradually pulling clear of the pack to earn himself handsome safety margin. The Audi e.tron FE05/Michelin driver also posted the day’s fastest lap late in the race (Lap 29 of 37) to provide an eloquent illustration of the long-lasting performance credentials of his Michelin Pilot Sport tyres at what is the campaign’s most abrasive circuit due to its ribbed concrete surface. Track temperatures of almost 30°C added to the difficulty faced by the French brand’s bespoke Formula E tyre.

The result has promoted the Brazilian from fifth to second place in the provisional championship standings, behind Vergne who was third in Germany after a determined fightback during the race’s second half, aided by the resilience of his Michelin tyres.

Pole-sitter Buemi got away to a first class start and led until he was passed by di Grassi. He then managed to defend his footing on the podium and eventually moved up from third to second after passing Antonio Felix da Costa on Lap 23 to harvest his first top-three finish of the season.

Da Costa (BMW I Andretti Motorsport/Michelin) and Stoffel Vandoorne (HWA Racelab/Michelin) rounded out the afternoon’s top five, chased by the 2018 Berlin E-Prix winner Daniel Abt (Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler/Michelin) and Alexander Sims (BMW I Andretti Motorsport/Michelin). André Lotterer climbed seven places in the course of the race but failed to finish.

The next round of the 2018/2019 FIA Formula E Championship will take teams to Bern, Switzerland, on Saturday, June 22.

2019 Berlin E-Prix – final positions:

1. Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler), 37 laps

2. Sébastien Buemi (Nissan e.dams), +1.856s

3. Jean-Eric Vergne (DS Techeetah), +2.522s

4. Antonio Felix da Costa (BMW I Andretti Motorsport), +5.845s

5. Stoffel Vandoorne (HWA Racelab), +6.336s

6. Daniel Abt (Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler), +6.551s

7. Alexander Sims (BMW I Andretti Motorsport), +8.235s

8. Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams), +10.781s

9. Sam Bird (Envision Virgin Racing), +13.153s

10. Pascal Wehrlein (Mahindra Racing), +14.846s

Etc.