Race 10 of the 2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship is a very special one for HWA RACELAB and its drivers – Bromley’s Gary Paffett and Stoffel Vandoorne. The team from Affalterbach will be racing on home soil in Germany for the first time. As such, there is great anticipation ahead of this weekend’s BMW i Berlin E-Prix presented by CBMM Niobium.
In each of the past three rounds – Rome, Paris, Monaco – an HWA RACELAB driver has finished inside the points and showcased the team’s development since the start of the season. With confidence high, and the team aiming to do well on their home soil, the team has once again set its sights on points and the top 10 in Berlin.
Last time out in Monaco, a disappointing performance in qualifying from Gary meant that he had a huge challenge in front of him to score points. Despite moving forward five-places in the race, Gary was unable to reach the points.
However, Gary and Stoffel have proven over the course of the season that they are more than capable of securing positions towards the front of the grid. When it comes to race pace, the new Formula E team has now found some consistent form.
The format for the weekend is slightly different to usual – unlike at the previous rounds, that saw track action all in one day, the action in Berlin kicks off on Friday with the free practice sessions. Saturday then hosts qualifying at 07:45, with the race then starting at 12:00 that day.
Formula E is making its fifth appearance in the German capital. The 2.375-kilometre, 10 corner circuit is located on the apron of the former Berlin-Tempelhof Airport. The drivers will have to adapt to different grip conditions to those experienced in the races so far. Instead of asphalt, the surface here is concrete, which will put great strain on the tyres. |