Marrakech – Mortara winner, Vergne at the foot of the podium

This is yet another missed opportunity for DS Techeetah and Jean-Éric Vergne in Formula E. At the Marrakech ePrix, the Tricolore team had one of the fastest cars on the grid. But facing Jean-Éric Vergne and António Félix da Costa stood Edoardo Mortara. In full management, the Swiss managed to resist the attacks of the two DS to win in Morocco. The Venturi driver made a double blow with this result by signing the third victory of the season and recovering the leading position in the general classification. Indeed, Edoardo Mortara took advantage of Stoffel Vandoorne's setbacks to take his throne. 

Before the start of hostilities, it was António Félix da Costa who was in the best position on the starting grid. But his team decided to make a strategic bet by using both “attack modes” very quickly. This choice allowed Edoardo Mortara to quickly find himself in the position of provisional leader after the Portuguese's second boost. Behind, Mitch Evans quickly managed to catch up with the two leaders. Jean-Éric Vergne had made a bet on managing his energy and could not defend against his competitors. 

With around twenty minutes remaining, the Habs collided with the back of the car by Jake Dennis. An error which will have serious consequences since even if he was able to continue his race, his wing was damaged. But a few minutes later, the Frenchman and the Portuguese embarked on a race against time to catch up with Edoardo Mortara.

The switch happens with just over 10 minutes to go!@JeanEricVergne passes @DSTECHEETAH teammate @afelixdacosta to chase down race leader @edomortara #MarrakeshEPrice pic.twitter.com/AP5XBBBjKB

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 2, 2022

A mistake that costs Jean-Éric Vergne dearly

While in qualifying, DS Techeetah chose not to give instructions to its drivers, the French team changed its mind during the race. Around ten minutes from the end of the race, Jean-Éric Vergne received authorization to overtake his teammate who would not defend if he managed to get closer. As promised, as was due, the Portuguese stepped aside and let the Habs go hunting for Edoardo Mortara. This is where his mistake on Jake Dennis could give Jean-Éric Vergne regrets. His car does not allow him to come back and get his first success of the season. Worse still, António Félix da Costa managed to catch up and asked his team to overtake him. The request was going to be granted, but it was too late, Edoardo Mortara was already too far in the lead. On the last lap, Jean-Éric Vergne even had to let Mitch Evans overtake him when he no longer had any rhythm. 

.@mitchevans_, that last lap overtake was naughty!#MarrakeshEPrice @JaguarRacing pic.twitter.com/lOYdehYCQk

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 2, 2022

With this victory, Edoardo Mortara regains the leadership position in the Drivers' standings from Stoffel Vandoorne. The Belgian had a difficult day, but starting in 20th position, he managed to limit the damage by finishing 8th. This result remains insufficient for the pilot Mercedes who is now 3 points behind the Frenchman and 14 behind the new leader. Mitch Evans also returns to the battle for the title with only 1 point behind Stoffel Vandoorne. Everything is still playable as Formula E heads to the United States in two weeks for two races on the streets of New York. 

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