Wehrlein Eyes Shanghai E-Prix Victory Amidst Formula E’s Peloton Debate
As the Formula E calendar heads into its crucial final stretch, Tag Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein is gearing up for a thrilling weekend at the inaugural Shanghai E-Prix. With just 16 points separating him from the lead in the Drivers’ standings, Wehrlein is poised to make a significant impact on the championship.
The German driver has been a consistent force this season, following a year of improvement and resolve. Wehrlein’s one-lap pace has been a notable area of growth, allowing him to challenge for top spots in qualifying. This development has been instrumental in Porsche’s GEN4 commitment to Formula E, which was recently announced. Wehrlein expressed his delight at the news, stating, “Everyone is happy here within the team… It’s great news, and I think that the whole project is giving everyone here a big motivation and a big boost.“
The topic of peloton racing has dominated Formula E discussions, with many questioning its implications on the sport. Wehrlein acknowledges the challenges posed by this style of racing, but is quick to dispel any notion that Porsche has a distinct advantage in these conditions. “I think we’ve seen many other teams actually winning the peloton races… So much is happening – first of all, it’s difficult to keep yourself out of trouble to still have all the parts on the car, like the front wing.“
Wehrlein believes that a balanced mix of circuit styles would provide a more satisfying experience for drivers and fans alike. He concurs with his teammate Antonio Felix da Costa that peloton races should not dominate the calendar, instead advocating for a more varied approach. “I think the talks are already [ongoing] and I think we are missing the mix at the moment because it feels like 80 percent of the races are peloton races this year… There should be like a good base of Formula E where it is not super easy but it’s also not very difficult to overtake.“
As the Shanghai E-Prix approaches, Wehrlein is confident in his team’s abilities, citing their strong strategy and package as key factors in potential success. “Hopefully, we have a good weekend; I think there is a lot possible this weekend… We just need to maximise our package and that’s very important that we always have to go home from a race day or from a day at the track saying: ‘We did everything we could do and we left nothing on the table’.“
When asked about his current form, Wehrlein reflected on the progress he’s made since last season. “That’s always difficult to say. I feel, compared to last season, I’ve made progress… I’ve worked on the areas I can improve together with the team, we just try to make the overall package better which is the car setup, systems operations, driver – it’s everything.“
As the Formula E calendar hurtles towards its climax, Wehrlein’s focus remains fixed on securing the championship title. With Porsche’s commitment to the sport solidified, the stakes are higher than ever. Will Wehrlein emerge victorious in Shanghai, or will his rivals usurp him? One thing is certain – the German driver will stop at nothing to claim the top spot on the Formula E standings.
Formula E Calendar:
The Shanghai E-Prix marks the 12th round of the 2023 Formula E season. With three double-headers remaining, the battle for the Drivers’ title is far from over. Stay tuned for the latest updates and results from the Formula E world championship.
Formula E Standings:
Pascal Wehrlein currently sits 16 points adrift of the lead in the Drivers’ standings. Follow the action closely as the season unfolds, and discover who will be crowned the 2023 Formula E champion.
Formula E Schedule:
Don’t miss a minute of the action as Formula E returns to China for the Shanghai E-Prix. Catch all the highlights and analysis from the race weekend, and get ready for the thrilling conclusion to the 2023 season.
Formula E Calendar 2023:
Stay up-to-date with the latest Formula E news, results, and schedules. Find out when and where the next race takes place, and plan your Formula E experience today.
British GT News:
While the focus is on Formula E, our sister series, British GT, is also heating up. Catch all the latest news, results, and analysis from the world of British GT racing. Who will emerge victorious in the 2023 season?
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