Maserati MSG Racing endured a challenging initial race at the 2023 Diriyah E-Prix, overcoming a number of obstacles in the opening leg of Formula E’s Saudi Arabian doubleheader.
Following a successful weekend in Mexico City, the team made significant strides during practice at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, but experienced a rough qualifying session in the afternoon.
Both Edoardo Mortara and Maximilian Günther began their attempts in Group A, but Max’s day of racing was cut short by a startling front-tyre lock and collision in Turn 11.
Edo was also involved in an accident later in the afternoon, when an off-line half-spin sent the Swiss-Italian driver into the outside barriers at Turn 16.
From the twentieth position on the starting grid, he made significant progress on the opening lap and, after a brief Safety Car stoppage, continued to advance.
By the 11th lap, Edo had moved up to 15th, then passed Sérgio Sette Camara for 14th, before settling into a pace behind reigning World Champion Stoffel Vandoorne.
THEIR OWN WORDS
“The only solution to difficult situations is action, and after a really challenging qualifying, the team rallied together and, most importantly, fought back. The technicians performed an outstanding job repairing Edo’s vehicle and getting him on the starting grid for the race. The new chassis for Max is still being constructed, and we have a great deal of work to accomplish overnight. Prior to our issues in qualifying, I believe we were in a strong position, and our preliminary practice results were quite encouraging. Motorsport is unpredictable and may be brutal, but this is inherent to the sport. If we have a clear day tomorrow, I’m certain that we’ll be able to demonstrate our capabilities.”
“Today has been challenging, but I believe there are some advantages to be gained. Although qualifying did not go as planned, our race performance was outstanding. It is always difficult to start from the back of the grid, but from 20th I was able to make decent progress through the field until suffering a puncture. Tomorrow, I am optimistic. If we can have another solid practice and qualify well, I believe that points will be available.”
Edoardo Mortara, Racing Driver for Maserati MSG
“The transition from FP1 to FP2 was unmistakably positive.” I felt more at ease in the automobile and made good progress. The qualifying crash was extremely terrible, and it defined my day. At the midway point of my first push lap, I locked the front tires while braking and was unable to slow the car. We were unable to compete in Race One due to a severe collision that caused extensive damage. We accept the situation for what it is, which is racing, but tomorrow will bring fresh opportunity. I cannot wait to get back in the car. We are a formidable team.”
Maximilian Günter, Maserati MSG Racing Driver
“The Maserati Brand is beginning its inaugural Formula E season, which brings with it new challenges. Maserati is no stranger to the dynamics and complexities of motorsport, therefore despite today’s disappointing outcome, the team is working tirelessly to improve for tomorrow’s race.”
Giovanni Sgro, Chief Executive Officer of Maserati Corse
THE CAMPAIGN FOR NUMBERS EDOARDO MORTARA
First Free Practice / P11 Second Free Practice / P11 Qualifying / P20 [1:11.708]
Race / DNF Gained Positions = 0 Fastest Lap = 1:11.364 Championship Position = P22
MAXIMILIAN GÜNTHER
First Free Practice / P19 Second Free Practice / P16 Qualifying / P22 (1:32.982, Group A).
Race / DNS Gained Positions / N/A Fastest Lap: N/A Championship Position: P14
Championship Position MASERATI MSG RACING / P8
Maserati MSG Racing confronts a difficult first race in the Diriyah doubleheader.
»Maserati MSG Racing overcomes a difficult first race in Diriyah«