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D'Ambrosio's surprise after the clash between BMW in Marrakech

The Belgian takes the lead in the Formula e general classification thanks to a victory offered by the collision between the two BMW i Andrettis at the head of the Marrakech ePrix (Morocco).

Published on 12/01/2019 à 17:04

Medhi Casaurang

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D'Ambrosio's surprise after the clash between BMW in Marrakech

Everything seemed to be converging towards an indisputable double for BMW i Andretti on Saturday January 12 in Marrakech (Morocco). The leader of the championship Formula e Antonio Felix da Costa had led the ePrix for a good thirty minutes, and was able to consolidate his lead overall. 

However, that was without counting on his teammate Alexander Sims. The British rookie attempted an attack from the outside at the end of the straight, but blocked his wheels. The Portuguese imitated him, and the two cars left the circuit! Alexander Sims could move back towards 4th place while Antonio Felix da Costa retired. 

 

This curious incident benefited Jérôme d’Ambrosio (Mahindra). Party 10th, the Belgian took the lead! He kept the advantage during the last lap and let his joy explode with various shouts on the radio, as well as with donuts. 

 

This is Jérôme d’Ambrosio’s first victory on the pitch. The former Virgin and Lotus driver F1 had taken advantage twice from an exclusion of Lucas di Grassi to win on the green carpet in 2015 and 2016. At the same time, he took the lead in the general classification.

Pole sitter Sam Bird (Virgin) has some serious luck. Hit by a Jean-Éric Vergne (DS Techeetah) erratic at the first braking, the Englishman then slipped to sixth place. He took advantage of neutralization and attack mode to move up just behind his colleague Robin Frijns (Virgin, 2nd).

 

The outgoing champion Jean-Éric Vergne also rightly rectified the situation. The Frenchman, once 21st, attacked until finishing fifth, ahead of his teammate André Lotterer. The latter was however only 19th on the grid! Tom Dillmann (NIO) finished 17th. 

The race will not be remembered by HWA Racelab (the future team Mercedes in 2019-20). Gary Paffett and Stoffel Vandoorne, who started from 19th and 22nd place, clashed initially and gave up. Pascal Wehrlein (Mahindra) was furious after being hit during the first braking by Lucas di Grassi (Audi). 

 

Find in AUTO issue 2199hebdo, available Monday evening in digital version and Wednesday on newsstands, the analysis of Formula e in Marrakech by our special correspondent. 

 

Medhi Casaurang

Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!

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