- Mahindra Racing targeting a strong result at the second Mexico City ePrix
- Formula E returns to a revised circuit at the Autodrómo Hermanos Rodriguez that will prove physically demanding for drivers
- Mahindra Racing currently placed third in the Teams’ Championship standings
28 March 2017, Mumbai: Mahindra Racing heads to Mexico City for the fourth round of the 2016-17 FIA Formula E Championship, with high ambitions to match the altitude at the race venue.
Mahindra Racing secured two top-ten finishes in the inaugural Mexico City ePrix last year and will be looking to build on that experience to leverage its strong start to Season Three, after two podiums and two fastest lap awards in the first three races.
Though the Buenos Aires ePrix may not have yielded results that fully represent the pace and performance of the M3Electro, the team was still able to set the fastest lap and now lies third in the Teams’ Championship rankings.
The Mexico City ePrix will be a tough physical challenge for the drivers. Many sections of the track will be tackled flat out through long curves, putting a great amount of stress on the drivers’ upper bodies as they continue to turn at high speeds. The circuit will once again feature the iconic sequence through the Foro Sol baseball stadium, though some changes to the track layout have been introduced for 2017. Barriers have been put in place to deter drivers from cutting chicanes and turn one has been modified and its chicane removed.
Though temperatures will be similar to those in the Buenos Aires ePrix, teams will also be faced with an added challenge that comes with the altitude of the circuit. Mexico City sits 2,250 metres above sea level, where the lower air pressure will adversely affect both the cooling systems and downforce of the cars.
Nick Heidfeld will be aiming to add to his podium position from Hong Kong, while Felix Rosenqvist, in only his fourth Formula E race, will be chasing a hat-trick of fastest laps after claiming honours in both Hong Kong and Buenos Aires.
Dilbagh Gill, Team Principal, Mahindra Racing Formula E Team said, “Mexico City provides us with another chance to put our knowledge from last year to good use and bring home a good result for the team. We’ve understood what happened in Buenos Aires and will be applying that learning to ensure we maximise our results in Mexico. The M3Electro has shown its pace at every race this season but since the last race we have been looking to the future; testing our season four challenger in Spain and announcing our continued relationship with Formula E for seasons five through seven.”
Felix Rosenqvist said, “We’ve had a great start to the season and the M3Electro has been strong at most circuits, but unfortunate events have prevented us from scoring even more points. We will be focused on scoring as many points as possible in Mexico without taking any risks to get back in the championship fight. I think the stadium section of the circuit will be really special, as there will be a lot of spectators and the Mexican racing fans are really keen! This will be my first time in Mexico – Buenos Aires was my first time in South America, so I’m looking forward to seeing the country as well.”
Nick Heidfeld said, “I’m really looking forward to the Mexico ePrix. The layout has been changed slightly and the chicane at turn one removed, so we have some homework to do. Last year the race was physically challenging for many of us, especially for me as it was only my second race after my wrist injury, so I’m in much better shape this year to cope with the g-forces. Driving through the stadium is unique with so many spectators and I hope we have a full house again!”
Reigniting the title fight: Rosenqvist and Pahkala to go head-to-head in the ultimate showdown
To commemorate the success of the Las Vegas eRace, Ollie Pahkala is joining the team in Mexico City to challenge Rosenqvist to a final battle of the sim drivers. Who will come out on top? Let the trash talk commence!
Mahindra Racing welcomes new arrival
In the break between Buenos Aires and Mexico City, Mahindra Racing completed a successful first test of its season four challenger. The M4Electro made its debut in the early hours of March 20, 2017 in Spain. Driven by Nick Heidfeld, the car completed 3.06km in its first run alone and covered over two race distances in the course its first day on track.
Three more years: Mahindra Racing confirmed as manufacturer for Seasons Five to Seven
Mahindra Racing has been announced as one of nine manufacturers continuing with FIA Formula E until 2021. Mahindra Racing has been involved in the series since its inauguration in 2014 and the news reaffirms the team’s and Mahindra Group’s commitment to sustainability and the international electric racing car series for the future.
Timely news: Omologato announced as partner
British watch brand Omologato joins Mahindra Racing as a partner from the Mexico City ePrix. An exclusive chronograph has been created for the team which fans will be able to purchase at www.omologatowatches.com. Both drivers will feature Omologato branding on their gloves and the logo will feature on the roll hoop of all four M3Electro race cars.
#ChronosandCars
Last weekend Nick Heidfeld attended one of Omologato’s signature #ChronosandCars event at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire, UK. The hillclimb is one of the oldest motorsport events in the world and the venue has been used continuously since 1905 with the exception of wartime. With a plethora of fast and exotic machines on display, as well as raced up the steep and challenging course, it was a great way for Mahindra Racing to celebrate with the team’s latest partner.
