Formula E: Historic victory for Audi in front of record turnout in Zurich

An even better points-haul was prevented by Nelson Piquet. The ex-champion rear-ended Daniel Abt on lap one and broke off Abt’s rear wing in the incident. The Audi driver had to make an unscheduled pit stop and finished 13th out of the points. “The guys replaced the rear wing super-fast,” said Abt. “But we would have needed a safety car to get back into the race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t deployed. I’m very disappointed but happy for Lucas (di Grassi) and the team.” 

“For Daniel (Abt), it was really unfortunate,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “In the collision on lap one there was absolutely nothing he could do. Still, it was a great day for us. It was a fantastic event with an incredible turnout of enthusiastic spectators, a great atmosphere and a superb facility. Lucas (di Grassi) drove a fantastic race. It doesn’t happen very often that when you start the race from fifth position you overtake all the cars in front of you and win the race.” 

“Lucas timed his attacks with absolute perfection,” said Team Principal Allan McNish. “I’m especially happy for his crew that had a difficult start of the season and now has fully come back. And of course, after the home round in Berlin, it’s fantastic for Audi to have won the first circuit race in Switzerland in 64 years as well.”