The Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team, proudly supported by NEOM, celebrated an emphatic win and P3 finish in round five of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on Saturday in Valencia.
The team continues to go from strength to strength this season, building on two previous race wins in Diriyah and Rome.
Despite the five-place grid penalty imposed on Mercedes-EQ Formula E team driver Nyck deVries at the previous race in Rome, which meant he started on Saturday from P7, the Dutch driver climbed up the grid to seal his second win of the season thanks to excellent energy management.
Similarly, his teammate Stoffel Vandoorne had to start the race from the back of the grid after his qualifying times were cancelled and fought his way up to a P3 finish, achieving his sixth podium in Formula E.
Nyck de Vries, Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team Driver commented on his win on Saturday: “What a race! To be honest, I’m even happier today than when I won my first race in Diriyah, especially with this victory coming as such a surprise. After the really tough race weekend in Rome and the five-place grid penalty for this race, I definitely wasn’t expecting it. But it’s a fantastic way for me to bounce back. Many thanks to the whole team, who executed the strategy perfectly today, and congratulations to Stoffel, who fought his way from the back of the field to the front. I have to admit that I was surprised to see him standing next to me at the podium ceremony. Today has turned to be a simply fabulous day for our team.”
Round six was more challenging for both drivers – Stoffel Vandoorne having to retire after hitting the barriers and Nyck de Vries finishing at P16.
After the thrilling Valencia E Prix weekend, the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team sits on the top of the team standings with 105 points. De Vries remains in the lead of driver standings with a total of 57 points followed by teammate Stoffel in second place and a total of 48 points.