5.4.2019 Munich. With the Start of the European season in Rome (ITA) – season 5 of FIG FIA Formula E Championship on 13. April 2019 in its second half. After the first six race, António Félix da Costa (POR) leads the drivers ‘ standings. Alexander Sims (GBR) has made in his debut season, already his strong Pace. In a double Interview, the BMW i, Andretti Motorsport riders talk about the previous season.
Content
- António, Alexander, how, prior to the first race in Europe between the conclusion to the previous season?
- What were the highlights so far, and what disappointments have you experienced?
- How did you deal internally with the incident in Marrakech, and what have you learned from it?
- How do you rate the BMW i drivetrain compared to the competition?
- Where can you improve?
- How closely are you working with your engineers, more than in other racing series?
- You also have during the season, contact the BMW i engineers in Munich?
António, Alexander, how, prior to the first race in Europe between the conclusion to the previous season?
António Félix da Costa: “With a victory, a pole position, three podium places and a first place in the drivers’ championship, we had a really strong first half of the season. Since it was clear that BMW i Motorsport would enter as a factory team in the formula E, I’ve worked hard to be for season 5 ready. Now that we are on BMW i, Andretti Motorsport, one of the Top Teams, is for me a great confirmation and also great Motivation as well to continue our hard work.“
Alexander Sims: “In the previous races we have shown time and again great potential. Not always we were able to achieve the appropriate results. There were many different reasons that we have analyzed, in order to make it in the second half of the season better. The Performance of the BMW iFE.18 makes us optimistic for the coming races.“
What were the highlights so far, and what disappointments have you experienced?
Félix da Costa: “My best day of the season so what is the first pole position and victory at the debut of BMW i, Andretti Motorsport in Ad Diriyah were incredible. I was so happy to be able to Team these success give. Disappointing the outcome of the race was, unfortunately, in Marrakech, when eight minutes before the end of a perfect day suddenly have been reversed.“
Sims: “it’s True, the worst Moment was probably the unfortunate end of the race in Marrakech. Clearly the best Moment I had for me personally this season yet, but many that have shown me that I can be in formula E soon. What is great to see Antonio in the opening race in Ad Diriyah victories. This has given the whole Team a big boost.“
How did you deal internally with the incident in Marrakech, and what have you learned from it?
Sims: “First of all, you have to say that this was the case, so disappointing on the track, as the Team has brought even closer together. In retrospect, many things that are wrong in this Moment. We have spoken after that, be open and honest about the incident and our Lessons.“
Félix da Costa: “Alexander is right. The day has to know the Team, in retrospect, insane. We have demonstrated by our handling of the Situation, that we are a family. I am very proud of.“
How do you rate the BMW i drivetrain compared to the competition?
Félix da Costa: “The BMW i engineers have done a fantastic Job. Our drive train is fast and efficient – we just have a really good package. And, although it’s for the BMW i engineers, this is the first Time that they have developed a drive for the series, but for racing. She made a whole new set of challenges. Hats off to your performance.“
Sims: “Our drive train is really very efficient. We realize that we look just in those racing at its best, where it is important to save as much energy as possible. The is in formula E, it is extremely important.“
Formula E Santiago de Chile Alexander Sims in the BMW iFE.18 (photo: BMW AG)
Where can you improve?
Sims: “I see that I have the Speed to be in the front of the ride. But the formula E is so complex that you have to get out as a driver in each Session, the Maximum, in order to, ultimately, so the corresponding results. In addition, you will need to adjust his driving style very quickly by pure Performance in Qualifying on efficiency in the race. In these aspects, I’m working on. It helps to have an experienced man like António next to me.“
Félix da Costa: “I see the greatest potential in addition to the track. We learn about ourselves as a Team better and work together better, but of course there is still more room for improvement. I want to help as much as I can, because I am proud of the entire team.“
How closely are you working with your engineers, more than in other racing series?
Sims: “The little time you have on a race day in formula E, is the strongest limiting factor. Accordingly, less intensive, you can interact with the engineers. We try this through intensive preparation for the day of the race to compensate for, even with the help of the simulator.“
Félix da Costa: “The technology in the formula E is incredibly complex. It is always valid to find the perfect compromise of Speed and efficiency. This is not so easy and may not be of me as a driver on their own. I need the close cooperation with my engineers.“
You also have during the season, contact the BMW i engineers in Munich?
Félix da Costa: “The connection to the BMW i engineers, especially in the test phase. I found it to be great with people, not replace, the come from racing. During the season you are working in the Background hard to improve our drive train from race to race.“
Sims: “We had the opportunity to visit the BMW i engineers in Munich. That was incredibly interesting. You have given us a first taste of season 6. Your work is the key to success.“
Hong Kong (CHN), 10th March 2019. FIG FIA Formula E Championship, Hong Kong E-Prix, BMW i, Andretti Motorsport, António Félix da Costa (POR) BMW iFE.18 #28.
