Formula E: Latest News and Info from Chile

Audi drivers work up a sweat in Santiago, not only in the kitchen
50-degree temperature difference for Daniel Abt

For the first time, the Audi e-tron FE05 is being put through its paces in blazing heat. 38 degrees centigrade in the shade are forecast for the E-Prix in Santiago de Chile (start on Saturday at 4 PM local time/8 PM CET, live on Eurosport and ZDF live streaming).

Santiago de Chile, January 25, 2019 – For the first time, the Audi e-tron FE05 is being put through its paces in blazing heat. 38 degrees centigrade in the shade are forecast for the E-Prix in Santiago de Chile (start on Saturday at 4 PM local time/8 PM CET, live on Eurosport and ZDF live streaming).

“Management of the battery temperature will play a decisive role in the race,” says Allan McNish, Team Principal of Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler. “The tires will also be heavily stressed – especially the right rear tire due to the long left-hand turns. The changing track surface is tricky as well.” Parts of the track in Santiago’s O’Higgins Park consist of concrete slabs.

Following the track walk on Friday morning, the two Audi drivers, Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi, agree: “Turn 13 offers the best opportunity for overtaking.” Abt: “The new track in Chile is cool. There are fast sections and slow ones, plus the changes in the surface and the heat will make for thrilling racing too.”

From winter to summer: Last weekend, Daniel Abt took part in the GP Ice Race in Zell am See (Austria) at temperatures of minus ten degrees centigrade and lower. In Chile, it is nearly 50 degrees warmer.

Things got even hotter on Thursday in the kitchen of Los Buenos Muchachos: At the famous steakhouse, Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi learned the secrets of preparing a perfect steak. Previously, they had selected the ideal meat together with chef Francesco Montenegro at the market of Santiago.

Leonardo di Grassi is attending his first car race this weekend. The son of the Audi factory driver and his wife, Bianca, was born shortly before the New York E-Prix in July 2018.

Between the two South American races in Chile and Mexico Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi will fly to the Canary Islands: Together with their fellow drivers from the DTM they will take part in the annual Audi Sport Fitness Camp in Lanzarote.