Formula E is a fairly unpredictable racing series; the level of competition reaches new highs every season and this time around, we are lucky enough to witness some sensational racing.
Can Mahindra Conquer Paris?
In Formula E, where most teams develop their own powertrain, there is a certain uniqueness about how each car functions; some may be faster in warm conditions, while the others in the cold, some preferring long straights while the others preferring quick corners. The variety of tracks that Formula E races on is huge and each track offers its own unique challenge.
This makes winning the championship tougher; to be the champion, your car has got to be the master of all conditions!
To be the champion, your car has got to be the master of all conditions!
Let’s take Mahindra as an example. Over the past few seasons, they have struggled in the warmer races, generally the ones in South America. This season was a clear evidence; in the Latin American races such as Santiago, Mexico City and Punta Del Este, the Mahindras were scrappy and they did not get as many points as they would have desired. On the other hand, they have been superb in the cooler races like Marrakesh and Hong Kong.
Winning the title would require brilliant results in the next few races for the Mahindra squad led by Dilbagh Gill and with a team like theirs, it surely is possible.
But can Mahindra comeback in Paris? Can they get back to the top after a few disappointing races? In my opinion, they definitely can.
Now as the Formula E season enters Mahindra’s comfort zones, Europe and North America, better performances can be expected from them. Last year in Paris, their drivers, Nick Heidfeld and Felix Rosenqvist finished third and fourth respectively and took home an impressive 27 points. Also, they took home multiple podiums and their first ever race win during this leg of the series. This is a strong evidence about Mahindra’s strong performances in Europe and North America.
Mahindra have been very strong in cooler conditions
A win cannot be guaranteed but judging on the basis of the past, the two Mahindras will be major factors in deciding the outcome of the Paris ePrix.
After the last few races, they may not be the favourites anymore but they surely can be the dark horses and take the win away from the likes of Techeetah and DS Virgin Racing.
The Right Time For Pechito To Perform?
Speaking of dark horses and strong showings in Paris, let’s move on to talk about Dragon Racing’s Jose Maria Lopez. Pechito, as he is known as informally, finished second in Paris last season to cap off a brilliant race.
Although his performances have not been very consistent, when he races up to his potential, he can be a big threat to his opponents. This season, he did not have a drive till the Marrakesh ePrix, where the struggling Dragon Racing decided to part ways with Neel Jani. Pechito got the vacant seat and took the Dragon car to a stunning fourth place finish after a dismal weekend for the team at Hong Kong.
Since his arrival, Dragon Racing have become a better and faster team, scoring a total of 25 points so far. In Rome, he had the pace and had fought his way up the order until a crash forced him to retire. There is a big room for improvement for both Dragon Racing and Jose Maria Lopez and Paris could be the place where their resurgence begins.
Pechito was fabulous here last season and we have often witnessed his ability and skill on the racetrack. Getting a podium finish may be a tall order for the Argentine but a good points finish is a possibility, and that is exactly what Dragon Racing needs at the moment.
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