Race ABT Prost: Shakeup at Miami ePrix

Race ABT Prost: ABT loss to Prost win. Prost leaps into lead for  championship

MIAMI, USA (March 14 2015) – Race ABT lost today! It was a day that got off to a nerve-wracking start and ended with plenty of excitement. The first Formula E race to be held in the USA saw Nico Prost triumph at the end of a duel. In addition, Nico had the 20,000-strong crowd spellbound. I mean right up to the very end. The streets of Miami were so so packed. Especially with tickets everywhere sold out. All the while millions of fans around the world watched on TV. In addition to computer and or smartphone.

Prost

Prost is the fifth different winner in this maiden Formula E season. For his name can be added to the list of Lucas Di Grassi (Beijing,) Sam Bird (Putrajaya,) Sebastien Buemi (Punta del Este) and Antonio Felix da Costa (Buenos Aires.)

Race ABT loss to Prost details

For he’s handing him his trophy was a “rival” in the form of Virgin Group founder, most notably Sir Richard Branson. All the while up there to take the team award was the victor’s father Alain.

In addition, a delay in getting the track completed created some early anxiety. Moreover and meant that the two free practice sessions were delayed. In addition, run as one 30-minute session. However, once that was sorted out, it was time for the show to go on. In qualifying, another Frenchman, Jean-Eric Vergne took the top spot. For he also led the pack away. All into what would be a thrilling 39-lap race.

Scott Speed

A major contender in the Miami ePrix was the local hero, Scott Speed. The American, driving for the Andretti team. For he was making his debut in the series. After a difficult qualifying saw him start from the fifth row. For he staged a great climb up the order. That’s thanks to a well executed strategy of energy management and some brave overtakes. First he got past Daniel Race ABT to pass Prost. Then Race ABT chased Prost right down to the final metre of the very last lap.

Early Stages

In the early stages all eyes were on a close duel between pole-man Vergne and Sam Bird. Then with Prost tailing the English Virgin driver. As the first stint was coming to an end, Bird made his move, overtaking Vergne with a great pass at Turn 5, after which the Frenchman opted to pit immediately. However, the run of pit stops was the undoing of two of the front runners, who found themselves down in the pack, with Race ABT taking the lead. Then shadowed by Prost and championship leader di Grassi.

With six laps to go, the two Audi Sport Race ABT drivers began to struggle compared to their rivals.

All who had more energy available:

First, Speed passed Di Grassi (lap 36) and then it was Abt who had to let Prost and the American pass on the penultimate lap.

Standings

However, the German managed to salvage third place. Thereby making it to the podium for the first time this season. Although, the final stages did not work out so well for his team-mate. That who could only pick up the 2 points that come with ninth place.

Di Grassi thus loses the lead of the championship. Thereby handing it to today’s race abt loss Prost winner. Moreover now out in front on 67 points, seven clear of the Brazilian. Bird, who crossed the line eighth, is now third in the general classification (52 points,).  

All the while Buemi, who failed to score today, is fourth on 43.

e.dams-Renault

Moving further ahead in the Team classification is e.dams-Renault: the French team now has 31 points in hand over Audi Sport Race ABT, with Prost win. All which has Andretti hot on its heels, just one point behind.

There was a noteworthy performance from another newcomer, Frenchman Loïc Duval. One who having started from the back row, finished seventh. All the while Nelson Piquet Jr. was fifth at the flag. Also, took the two points that go with setting the fastest race lap.

Moreover and after the excitement of Miami, Formula E continues its American journey. The sixth ePrix of the season will take place on 4 April. Located at Long Beach, California.

FIA Formula E Championship – Miami ePrix (Rd 5) – Race results:

1. Nicolas Prost, e.dams-Renault, 46m12.349s
2. Scott Speed, Andretti Autosport, +0.433s
3. Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT, +5.518s
4. Jerome D’Ambrosio, Dragon Racing, +5.941s
5. Nelson Piquet Jr, China Racing, +6.426s
6. Antonio Felix da Costa, Amlin Aguri, +8.754s
7. Loïc Duval, Dragon Racing, +9.498s

8. Sam Bird, Virgin Racing, +19.817s

9. Lucas Di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT, +20.631s

10. Salvador Duran, Amlin Aguri, +24.587s

11. Jaime Alguersuari, Virgin Racing, +43.883s

12. Nick Heidfeld, Venturi, +47.878s

13. Sébastien Buemi, e.dams-Renault, +1m04.587s

14. Karun Chandhok, Mahindra Racing, +1m23.539s

15. Jarno Trulli, Trulli, + 1 lap

16. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Trulli, +1 lap

17. Charles Pic, China Racing, +1 lap

18. Jean-Eric Vergne, Andretti Autosport, +2 laps

NC Stephane Sarrazin, Venturi, DNF

NC Bruno Senna, Mahindra Racing, DNF

Driver Standings (After Rd 5)

1. Nicolas Prost – 67
2. Lucas di Grassi – 60

3. Sam Bird – 52

4. Nelson Piquet Jr – 49

5. Sebastien Buemi – 43

6. Antonio Felix da Costa – 37

7. Jerome D’Ambrosio – 34

8. Jaime Alguersuari – 26

9. Daniel Abt – 19

10. Franck Montagny – 18

Team Standings (After Rd 5)

1. e.dams-Renault – 110
2. Audi Sport ABT – 79

3. Virgin Racing – 78

4. Andretti Autosport – 62

5. Dragon Racing – 56

6. China Racing – 49

7. Amlin Aguri – 40

8. Mahindra Racing – 36

9. Trulli – 12

10. Venturi – 8

Source: FIA Formula E Communications Department