Formula E Race at Home Challenge: Race 1

Points for ROKiT Venturi Racing in Race at Home Challenge season-opener...

In Numbers:

Felipe Massa:

Qualifying // P13

Race // P8

Fastest Race Lap // 1:01.041

Championship // P8 [4 points]

Edoardo Mortara:

Qualifying // P14

Race // P14

Fastest Race Lap // 1:00.961

Championship // P14 [0 points]

In Detail

Following a test event on rFactor 2, Formula E returned to Hong Kong’s Central Harbourfront Circuit for the opening round of its Race at Home Challenge in support of UNICEF.

Facing slight tweaks to the event format, a more immediate introduction to the series’ ‘Race Royale’ elimination heightened pressure, while increased damage also raised the stakes.

With qualifying key in a one-shot group arrangement, Felipe Massa and Edoardo Mortara cemented P13 and P14 on the grid, completing an all-ROKiT Venturi Racing seventh row.

Securing a quick getaway at the start of the race, Felipe moved forward from the outset, gaining five positions to advance into P8 by the end of lap 1 while Edo fell backwards in the face of an accident in Turn 1, dropping to P19.

Showcasing an admirable comeback, Edo fought through the field to take P14, eliminated from the season-opener with only three laps remaining.

Fending off an early challenge from Jerome d’Ambrosio, Felipe meanwhile maintained P8 throughout the race and kept his cool in the heat of battle, notching four championship points at the wave of the chequered flag.

In Words

Felipe Massa:

“My qualifying performance was not ideal today, however, from 13th we were in a very good position to challenge for points. Our race pace was positive and at the start, I was able to capitalise in Turn 1 to move into the top 10. From there, I found my rhythm and comfortably ran in eighth until the end of the race. I’m very happy with the season-opener and look forward to unlocking more speed over the coming weekends.”

Edoardo Mortara:

“After missing the test event, it was nice to make my debut in the Race at Home Challenge. From 14th I secured a strong start but lost some positions because of an accident in the first corner. From the back of the field, I was able to fight forward and this was very encouraging. If I didn’t lose time, I’m confident that points would have been possible, and hopefully we can achieve this in the next race.”