The 2016/17 FIA Formula E Championship season continues in Mexico City (MEX) on 1st April. António Félix da Costa (POR), BMW works driver, and Robin Frijns (NED), will take the wheel of the two MS Amlin Andretti ATEC-002 in the Mexico City ePrix.
Mexico’s unique stadium circuit – Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez – makes an exciting addition to the Formula E calendar for the second year running.
Though the season started strongly with a double-points finish in Hong Kong, fortunes have been less positive for the Andretti Formula E team in rounds two and three, with no points scored in Marrakesh and Buenos Aires.
The target for Mexico City is obvious: points. Mexico’s race takes place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, part baseball stadium, and part racetrack. The circuit weaves its way through the huge grandstands, creating an unmistakeable atmosphere. The track is similar to, though not the same as, the layout used for the Mexican Grand Prix. It is the highest track on the calendar, with an elevation of more than 2,500 metres.
The MS Amlin Andretti team, as well as Félix da Costa and Frijns, will need to be wily with strategy and race craft to take the top positions this time round. An eventful race is guaranteed in Formula E, and the key to strong results is often avoiding the drama and ensuring a clean ePrix.
MS Amlin Andretti races the ATEC-002 in Season 3, with Félix da Costa and Frijns in its two entries – Frijns in number 27 and Felix da Costa in number 28. BMW will provide expertise and support to the American team as it runs its own powertrain for the first time in Season 3, having run the standard Formula E technology in the first two seasons.
The Circuit
Mexico’s ePrix utilises the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, named after famous racing brothers Pedro and Ricardo. The circuit is a permanent fixture, the only full-time circuit on the calendar. The circuit map features two long hairpins, forming an oval shape, with several turns inside the main figure. Unlike other FIA world championships to visit the venue, Formula E races around the famous, daunting Peraltada hairpin.
The circuit also encompasses a baseball stadium, formerly home to 16-time Mexican champions Diablos Rojos del Mexico, providing an exciting atmosphere for drivers and spectators alike, with huge crowds densely packed around several tight turns on the infield. It is also the highest on the calendar – 2,500m above sea level.
The BMW i Vehicle Fleet
For Season 3, BMW i remains the “Official Vehicle Partner” for the FIA Formula E Championship. The BMW i8 is the high-performance, efficient Safety Car in Formula E. The BMW i3 is the “Medical Car” and “Race Director Car”. The BMW X5 xDrive40e functions as the “Rescue Car” or “Extrication Car”.
