Formula E first for Germany as unlucky Hong Kong loser Daniel Abt wins Mexican E-Prix
Abt thought he had claimed his first victory in the second race in Hong Kong on his 25th birthday last December but was later disqualified
The Audi driver, who started fifth, took the lead during the mandatory pit-stop to change cars when he leapfrogged ahead of Britain’s Oliver Turvey.
“I hope I can keep this one,” said the German, whose countrymen have won 10 of the last 18 Formula One world championships.
“The guys did a fantastic pit-stop. I knew they were quick from practices, but doing it in the race is different. But I think they were even quicker.”
Little has gone right for the Audi team since the disqualification and team principal Allan McNish showed his relief at the end.
Abt’s Brazilian team mate Lucas di Grassi, the defending champion, finished ninth to score his first points of a disappointing season.
When Turvey came into the pits on lap 24 he led by several seconds but a smoother change saw Abt return to the track ahead. He went on to win by 6.398 seconds.
Turvey fended off a late attack from the Renault of former champion Sebastien Buemi to take second for his maiden podium for the NIO Formula E team.
French driver Jean-Eric Vergne finished fifth to extend his lead in the championship to 12 points over Rosenqvist, who has 69 points, while Abt moves up to sixth with 37 points.
“Now I wish I had kept the 25 points from Hong Kong as that would have made it very close in the championship,” said Abt.
“But we have a super quick car and the season is still long so we will see. This will give us the momentum we were looking for.” (Editing by Alan Baldwin)
