It is safe to say that the inaugural FIA Formula E season has gone beyond expectation for many. Any teething problems have been solved pretty frequently, and the quality of the action on the track has been pretty darn good. Although some features (i.e. FanBoost) divide many, it is undeniable that they add an extra little something into this trilling series. However, who will win the Buenos Aires ePrix, the fourth round of the championship?
Virgin Racing
Sam Bird’s disappointing day in Punta del Este partnered with Jaime Alguersuari’s shot to form has meant that the inter-team rivalry at Virgin is one of the more intriguing in the series. Bird, third in the championship crashed out in both qualifying and in the race. The team also lies third in the championship.
Mahindra Racing
Bruno Senna finally managed to finish a race last time out, and did so with a strong sixth place. Karun Chandhok hopes to be much closer to his team mate, and back in the points. The Indian team are currently sixth.
Dragon Racing
There has been little to pick between Jerome d’Ambrosio and Oriol Servia so far this season. The Belgian is ahead by eight points but his team mate has not been far behind at every occasion. They are the only team to have had both cars finish in the top 10 in each race so far, and therefore are in fourth place.
e.dams Renault
Sebastien Buemi finally delivered on the potential of his team last time out, by winning in Uruguay. For the first time this season however, the e.dams squad has not looked to be the quickest. Perhaps the nature of the track did not suit them, but they will be looking to be more formidable here. Despite the lack of reward for the pace shown, they are currently top.
Trulli
Trulli finally got off the mark at Punta del Este, as Jarno Trulli came away with a strong fourth place. Michela Cerruti is the only driver to have competed in all three races without scoring a single point so far. The team are currently well down the order in eighth.
Audi Sport ABT
Lucas di Grassi’s form so far has been very impressive: A win, a second and a third. The Brazilian is also the runaway championship leader, leading by 18 points. Daniel Abt has shown some strong pace so far, but he has just four points to show for it. He needs to start picking up the points as the team are currently second behind the e.dams squad.
Venturi
Stone dead last in the table are Venturi. However, when you look at Nick Heidfeld’s pace, you wonder why they are there. With just three points to their name, when they should have at least ten times that amount, the other teams are swiftly dropping the Monegasque team. Both drivers need to start finishing races and picking up points.
Andretti
This is where things get confusing. Andretti are set to use their fifth, yes fifth driver in four races this weekend, as IndyCar driver, son of Michael and grandson of Mario, Marco Andretti steps in for Matthew Brabham. Jean-Eric Vergne jumps in once again for Franck Montagny, who appears to have been suspended following admitting using cocaine. Andretti are fifth.
Amlin Aguri
The highly popular team are currently ninth in the standings. A mechanical problem ruined a solid run for Antonio Felix da Costa last time out whilst Salvador Duran, who hadn’t raced a single seater in many years finished last of the runners. Aguri are another team in desperate need of points, as they have acquired the FanBoost at each event so far.
China Racing
After a one-race absence, Ho-Pin Tung is back in the number 88 car. Nelson Piquet Jr. had a superb run at the last race in Uruguay; he will be looking to add to his silverware tally before the end of the season. With that podium, China Racing jumped up to seventh, with all of the points scored by Piquet.
The Track
The 12-turn track should make for some interesting racing. The circuit resembles more of the Putrajaya circuit as oppose to the Punta del Este one. The circuit has just three fast corners: turn three, a long sweeping left hander, and turns 11-12, a fast right-left chicane. Downforce is not likely to be important here. Turns 1 and 4 look to be the ideal overtaking spots here, with the latter being a typical street circuit 90-degree left hander. The hairpin at turn 5 could catch some drivers out, as well as the chicane at 8 and 9.
Along with the 24 Hours of Dubai, I am very excited for the motorsport year to be well and truly underway this weekend. It should be an interesting race, and I would put my money on e.dams and Buemi to win again here.
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