Between high temperatures, energy management and unpredictable weather conditions, Round 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship produced an action-packed race around the 3.051km Shanghai International Circuit.
Run under the Pit Boost format, featuring a mandatory 30-second pit stop to recharge the battery by up to 10%, alongside a single six-minute Attack Mode activation, the race quickly became a strategic contest. The threat of rain from the opening laps heavily influenced team strategies, with drivers battling to position themselves at the front of the field before any potential neutralization or change in track conditions.
Following a strong qualifying performance, Jean-Éric Vergne progressed through to the Duels after an impressive showing in Group A before being eliminated in the knockout stages. On the other side of the garage, Nick Cassidy endured a more difficult qualifying session, unable to fully exploit his tyres and narrowly missing out on a place in the Duels.
In the race, Vergne quickly established himself among the leading group thanks to disciplined energy management. The Frenchman spent much of the race battling for a podium position before changing weather conditions began to influence strategic decisions. Despite several intense battles during the closing stages, Vergne secured a strong sixth-place finish, scoring valuable championship points for Citroën Racing Formula E Team.
For Nick Cassidy, the race proved more frustrating. Following his mandatory Pit Boost stop, the New Zealander activated his single six-minute Attack Mode, but the almost immediate deployment of the Safety Car, triggered by the arrival of rain, significantly reduced the strategic advantage it could provide. In a race where the timing of neutralizations proved decisive, Cassidy ultimately crossed the line in 19th position.
Citroën Racing Formula E Team now turns its attention to the second race of the Shanghai double-header, which takes place tomorrow at the Shanghai International Circuit. Returning to the traditional Formula E race format, it provides another opportunity for the team to build on today’s learnings and convert its potential into a stronger result.
Cyril Blais, Citroën Racing Formula E Team Principal :
“This opening race in Shanghai was particularly strategic, with the Pit Boost format and constantly evolving weather conditions shaping the race from start to finish. In those circumstances, the team executed several aspects of our strategy well and came away with valuable points thanks to Jean-Éric’s result. The outcome doesn’t fully reflect the potential we showed today, but we’ve gathered a lot of valuable data and important learnings. Our focus now turns to tomorrow’s race, where we’ll aim to maximize every opportunity available to us
Nick Cassidy, Citroën Racing Formula E Team driver :
“This wasn’t the result we were hoping for today. A number of factors compromised our race, but that’s Formula E sometimes. We’ll spend some time analysing everything with the team this evening and come back stronger tomorrow for the second race of the weekend.”
Jean-Éric Vergne, Citroën Racing Formula E Team driver :
“It’s positive to come away with points today, especially after such a strategic and hard-fought race. We made the most of what we had and I think the team did a good job throughout the day. That said, I also feel that with a little more pace we could have been fighting for an even better result. We’ll analyse today’s race and keep working hard to come back even stronger tomorrow.”
