Felix Rosenqvist will be back behind the wheel of his Mahindra Racing M3Electro for round four of the 2016-17 FIA Formula E Championship this weekend, gunning for a strong result in the Mexico City ePrix to bolster his position in the overall standings.
Despite racking up two fastest laps, one pole position and one podium from his first three races in Formula E, Rosenqvist – rather remarkably – has still been left with a feeling of opportunities lost in the early parts of his rookie campaign.
A spin at the season-opening Hong Kong ePrix dashed hopes of a potential podium on debut, and while the Swede recovered to grace the rostrum next time out in Marrakesh, technical gremlins in February’s Buenos Aires ePrix again meant his haul of points was limited to just one for setting the fastest lap of the race.
As the field now descends on Mexico City, therefore, Rosenqvist will be looking for a trouble-free run to improve his position in the standings, where he currently sits fifth.
“We’ve had a great start to the season and the M3Electro has been strong at most circuits, but unfortunate events have prevented us from scoring the points we could have done,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “The aim in Mexico will be to get back in the championship fight, taking away the best possible result without risking too much. We’ve been doing the regular pre-event work back home in Europe and I think we have reason to be optimistic.”
Unlike other Formula E events, the Mexican round of the championship does not take place on a street circuit, being staged instead at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez – known as the popular venue of Formula 1’s Mexican Grand Prix. The Formula E track will incorporate parts of the famous F1 layout, including a passage through the iconic Foro Sol baseball stadium where fans gather in hordes to get the best possible view of the cars and drivers.
Another Mexico City feature is the high altitude of the city, which sits at 2,250 metres above sea level – making battery cooling a prime concern amid the low air pressure and high temperatures expected.
“I think the stadium section of the circuit will be really special; there will be a lot of spectators and the Mexican racing fans seem really keen,” Rosenqvist continues. “The high altitude could have an effect on the way we drive, too. This will be my first time in Mexico – Buenos Aires was my first time in South America, so I’m looking forward to seeing the country as well. It’ll be a great experience, I’m sure.”
The Mexico City ePrix takes place on Saturday, with the lights set to go out at 16.00 local time (GMT-06:00). It will be the 25th Formula E race in history.