Techeetah's Andre Lotterer has revealed that he is getting used to Formula E "bit by bit" after taking a second career podium at the Rome ePrix.
Lotterer started the inaugural race in the Eternal City from fourth on the grid after securing a place in the Super Pole shootout by posting the fastest time during the group qualifying stages.
Throughout the first half of the race, Lotterer remained in fourth position, dropping back from the lead three cars of Felix Rosenqvist, Sam Bird and Mitch Evans.
When the pit window opened, Lotterer utilised an overcut strategy, pitting one lap later than his rivals out in front in order to have more usable energy for the second half of the race after Formula E's mandatory car change.
Rejoining in fifth after being jumped in the pit phase by Sebastien Buemi who stopped one lap earlier, the German racer dropped down to sixth after being passed by reigning champion Lucas di Grassi.
When race leader Rosenqvist retired on lap 24, Lotterer was promoted to fifth before overtaking Buemi to regain his starting position. While the battle raged on in front, Lotterer began to close in on the top three, jumping onto the final step of the podium when Evans ran out of usable energy in the final lap.
“I have a second and a third – now I’m missing number one," said Lotterer after securing a second podium in seven races.
"It was a really exciting race. I realised I’m still learning a lot racing these guys, it’s quite interesting how you play your cards.
"I’m still a bit fresh on that. Lucas [di Grassi] came flying past and this also kind of changed my race, then I was also coming back fighting.
"I saved a bit too much energy and the performance was good, but I learned a lot again today and I’m happy to be on the podium… I’m getting it bit by bit,” he added.
For the first time this season, Lotterer outperformed his Techeetah team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne, with the Frenchman finishing down in fifth place. Third place for Lotterer has moved the driver into ninth in the Drivers' Championship while Vergne still leads the way at the top of the table.
Discussion about this post