This is the historic moment we all have been waiting for: with a phenomenal double-lead finish on Mexican tarmac, the TAG Heuer Porsche Team secured its long-awaited first victory in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship this weekend.
In front of a cheering crowd at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Pascal Wehrlein fought his way back to the top in Race 3 of the season. His team-mate André Lotterer finished second to make the Porsche triumph complete. "It’s a banner day for Porsche," said Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E, summing up the Saturday in Mexico. "The team was again very focused and, in conjunction with the drivers at the racetrack, successfully implemented the excellent prep work done in Weissach." In the team standings of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team moved up to third place with the one-two in Mexico. In the drivers' standings, Wehrlein currently sits third, tied for points with Lotterer in fourth.
It became clear early on that it was going to be a promising race for Porsche: Wehrlein already put the icing on Qualifying with his first pole position of the season. After initially taking the lead on the 2.606-kilometre track, which runs through the famous Foro Sol baseball stadium with its unique atmosphere, he was lying third halfway through the distance. Lotterer, who had started the race at third on the grid, followed in fourth. The leading group was close together, but in the final phase the perfect race strategy of the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team and the optimal energy management took effect. Wehrlein first moved up to second place and shortly afterwards took the lead – followed by Lotterer, who fought back to his starting position. By the finish, the two Porsche 99X Electrics were almost ten seconds ahead of their pursuers.
After the emotional rollercoaster of last season's Puebla E-Prix, this result is heart-warming especially for Wehrlein: "I‘ve come close to winning in Mexico twice in the past so I’m delighted that it worked this time. I hope this victory gives the team new confidence." Lotterer is sure as well, that this double victory has underlined the team's ability to have a say in the world championship: "Last season, with its ups and downs, was not easy for us, but now everything has worked out.”
“If we can carry this momentum to the next races, then hopefully things will be a little easier for us from now on,” said Wehrlein, looking ahead to the coming season. Indeed, this was a race Saturday second to none...
2/15/2022