Porsche takes Mexico win with Michelin

Michelin and its longstanding partner Porsche claimed an assertive one-two finish in the 2022 Mexico City E-Prix as Pascal Wehrlein scored his maiden ABB FIA Formula E World Championship success ahead of team-mate André Lotterer.

Porsche and Michelin have been partners in motorsport for more than two decades and have won such prestigious events as the Le Mans 24 Hours together. Last weekend saw the German make’s Michelin Pilot Sport EV-equipped Porsche 9XX Electric secure a landmark one-two finish in Formula E’s visit to Mexico City’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Pole-winner Wehrlein took advantage of a flawless energy-management strategy and the longevity of his tires during the latter stages of Saturday’s race to clinch his and Porsche’s first-ever success in the all-electric series. The German was chased over the line by team-mate Lotterer and former champions Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa (DS Techeetah/Michelin).

It was the competition’s first trip to the Mexican capital after a Covid-forced venue-switch in 2021 and the circuit delivered its familiar cocktail of fast turns and a slower infield section through a baseball stadium where the crowd atmosphere is always exceptional.

“Mexico City is the only permanent race facility on this season’s Formula E calendar,” notes Mirko Pirraccho, the manager of Michelin Motorsport’s Formula E program. “Unlike street circuits, its wide track favors driving skill and overtaking opportunities, so the drivers need to have total confidence in their tires. The performance and longevity of the Michelin Pilot Sport EV around one of the hardest-wearing tracks on the calendar provided them with excellent grip which was praised by all our partners.”

Rounds 4 and 5 of the 2021/2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take teams to Rome, Italy, on April 9-10.

Mexico City E-Prix – final positions:1. Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche FE Team), 40 laps2. André Lotterer (TAG Heuer Porsche FE Team), +0.302s3. Jean-Eric Vergne (DS Techeetah), +9.051s4. Antonio Felix da Costa (DS Techeetah), +9.975s5. Edoardo Mortara (RoKit Venturi Racing), +18.356sEtc.