RACE RECAP: Berlin E-Prix Race 2

Berlin. The second race day of the Berlin finale (GER) to this season’s ABB FIA Formula E Championship was a disappointing one for BMW i Andretti Motorsport. Maximilian Günther (GER) and Alexander Sims (GBR) both suffered problems that resulted in them failing to pick up points in race seven of the season. The battery had to be replaced in Sims’ BMW iFE.20, which meant he had to start from the pit lane and received an additional drive-through penalty. Günther was running eighth when he damaged the front wing and a tyre in a battle with another car. By the time he emerged from the consequent pit stop, he found himself at the back of the field. Günther did initially continue, but subsequently retired. Sims came home in 19th place. Races three and four at Berlin-Tempelhof are scheduled for the weekend.

Reactions to race 7 in Berlin:

Roger Griffiths (Team Principal BMW i Andretti Motorsport, team standings: 2nd place):
“That was one of those days that you would like to rewind and start from the beginning again. It began badly, with the battery change on Alexander Sims’ car. We were then strong in practice, but unable to take that pace into qualifying. For Alexander, starting from the pit lane and the additional penalty meant his race was over before it even began. Maximilian Günther had a very good start and we were very promisingly positioned in the race. Unfortunately, there was then an incident with another car, which resulted in damage to the front wing and front-left tyre. We initially continued, to learn as much as possible for the coming races, but then called him back into the garage before the end of the race. We must use the time between now and the next race to analyse closely what we can do better.”

Alexander Sims (#27 BMW iFE.20, starting position: pit lane, race result: 19th place, points: 48, driver standings: 7th place):
“Starting from the pit lane, and with a penalty, that was obviously a pretty lonely race. Our only chance would have been if a safety car had made an appearance but that didn’t happen. Generally speaking, we have to understand why we have good pace in practice, but are unable to maintain that in qualifying.”

Maximilian Günther (#28 BMW iFE.20, starting position: 11th place, race result: DNF, points: 44, driver standings: 9th place):
“The race started very well. I climbed three places and was then able to save some energy. I felt good in the car. Unfortunately, there was then an incident with Sam Bird. I hit the wall whilst battling with him and damaged the car. That is obviously disappointing, but these things unfortunately happen sometimes.”