Final push for Mahindra Racing at London season 9 finale

Mumbai / Banbury, July 24, 2023: Mahindra Racing is preparing for the final event of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – the highly anticipated double header race weekend in London, UK. An interesting indoor-outdoor track, the Excel Centre qualifies as the team’s second ‘home’ venue of the season, situated just 110 miles from their Banbury HQ.

The finale event follows on from a difficult weekend in Rome, where both Lucas Di Grassi and Roberto Merhi failed to score points in what was an unrewarding trip for the team. Both Lucas and Roberto showed promising pace during the early stages of the weekend but two accidents through no fault of his own for Lucas and a technical issue for Roberto saw the team leave Italy with three DNFs. Roberto managed to finish in 12^th place during Saturday’s race, but it was little conciliation for the team, who felt they deserved more.

Both drivers will be aiming to end the year on a high by finishing in the points in London. The track has been a popular location over the years, although it is the first time in seven years it has hosted the season finale. Back in 2021, Mahindra Racing achieved two podiums at the London E-Prix, with Brit Alex Lynn crossing the line in third on Saturday and then first on Sunday. Meanwhile, Lucas is the most recent winner of the event, finishing victorious in the second race last year.

It has certainly been a testing year for the Mahindra Racing team, who has made no secret of the fact they are not where they want or deserve to be in the championship. The pole position and third place finish for Lucas in Mexico, followed by a sixth place at the team’s home race in Hyderabad, were a glimpse of what could be achieved by the Indian outfit. This was later followed by a tenth place in Berlin and a seventh place in Portland. The team is now focusing on their long-term ambitions from Season 10 to Season 12.

Aiming for the points in London, Roberto Merhi said: “We have worked very hard since Rome to improve the car once again before this race weekend in London. There’s been a lot to do, and the team have worked very hard. Our target is to be in the points. It is a new track for me, but I am looking forward to the race weekend. Our car should be more suited to this track so let’s see if we can end the season well.”

Looking to end the year positively, Lucas Di Grassi said: “London is a very special race. It is a very, very tight track and very different Rome with the high speed corners. I think London will suit our car better than in Rome so hopefully we can score good points there. I’m looking forward to the race. I won there last year so while that might not be possible this season, we will definitely be aiming to end the year on a high.”

Mahindra Racing CEO, Frederic Bertrand, said: “We know this year has been a difficult one for the team and I would like to thank everyone for their support and hard work during this time. We are aiming for a good result in London. The track should suit our car better than in Rome so the aim, once again, is to be in the points. Lucas knows this track, but Roberto will need to get up to speed with another new circuit for him, which he has managed well so far. I love this event and it is a great location to send off Season 9.”

Round 15 of the Hankook London E-Prix begins at 17:00 local time on Saturday 29^th July, with Round 16 getting underway on Sunday 30^th July at 17:00. (21:30 IST).

Mahindra Racing has a strong set of partners, including Official Powertrain Partner ZF and e-fluids partner Shell. Maurice Lacroix, the luxury Swiss watchmaker, continues as the Official Timekeeper, while Tech Mahindra continues as Digital Transformation Partner.