The Formula E World Championship could not have wished for a better advertisement. Races nine and ten of the fully-electric racing series created an exuberant atmosphere in the crowded grandstands in the German capital. In springlike temperatures, the 22 drivers thrilled spectators at the disused Tempelhof Airport with a feast of wheel-to-wheel racing, dramatic battles and changes of position. The Hankook iON Race provided the drivers with its customary strong performance and high level of reliability.
After a commanding performance and perfect energy management, it was Nick Cassidy from the Jaguar TCS Racing team who won the Saturday race. Starting from ninth place, the 29-year-old gradually worked his way to the front of the field and went on to claim his second victory of the season. The eventual winner took full advantage of the Hankook iON Race during his pursuit of the lead. “The tyre was really very consistent, right through to the end of the race,” said the New Zealander. Cassidy was followed home in second and third place by Frenchman Jean-Éric Vergne (DS Penske) and Britain’s Oliver Rowland (Nissan Formula E Team).
On the Sunday, the spectators cheered home Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team) in first place. The 32-year-old impressed under clear skies on the 2.343-kilometre circuit, and took the chequered flag in his Porsche 99X Electric. This was the first win of the season for da Costa, and the ninth of his Formula E career. Second place went to Cassidy, ahead of Rowland.
Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director: “Berlin was once again a perfect stage for Formula E. The race weekend at the disused Tempelhof Airport has a very unique atmosphere and is always rather special. Furthermore, the new layout made for even more excitement and action on the track. Despite the many bumps and different concrete slabs, our Hankook iON Race still performed excellently. Once again, the tyres supported the drivers with their high grip level and great consistency.”
Ten races into the current season, Cassidy leads the championship with 140 points, ahead of Pascal Wehrlein (D/TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team) with 124 points and third-placed Rowland (118 points). Next up for the Formula E World Championship is the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai on 25th and 26th May.
