Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler's Daniel Abt believes that the different track characteristics of the Riyadh Street Circuit and the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan will see a reshuffling of the cards at this weekend's Marrakesh E-Prix.
On the tight and twisty Riyadh Street Circuit, Abt endured a difficult weekend while for Audi, it was a poor competitive first outing in Formula E's second generation of racing, with the reigning Teams' Champions only taking six points away from the opening race weekend of the 2018/19 season.
Heading to the semi-permanent Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan, both Abt and the team return to familiar surroundings, with the circuit previously holding two E-Prix although an Audi powered car has not finished on the podium to date.
“Marrakesh is a race with a unique character and totally different track characteristics than Riyadh. The cards are being reshuffled,” said Abt.
“After round one, we had time to concentrate on working on our performance and procedures. I have every confidence in the whole squad that in Marrakesh we’re going to have a different showing than we did at the season opener.”
For Season Three Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi, Audi's struggles in Ad Diriyah confirmed his anticipation of a more closely grouped 2018/19 grid although the Brazilian racer is confident of more competitive results in Marrakesh:
“The chaotic race day in Riyadh provided us with a really tough start to the season – but that’s history now," he said.
"We’re travelling to Morocco with self-confidence, optimism and we are fully motivated.
“Our expectations have been confirmed. The competition in Formula E this season is fiercer than ever before. We’re happy to tackle this challenge and are going to deliver a stronger performance in Marrakesh.”
Allan McNish, Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler Team Principal, added: “Everyone back at home has been very busy making sure we improve and optimize all areas to allow us to be back on track.
"Our goals are unchanged and aim to be fighting for wins and podiums at each race – starting in Marrakesh."
The Marrakesh E-Prix will take place on January 12 while Formula E's second of three in-season group testing sessions will follow on January 13, with Audi fielding Nico Mueller and DTM regular Jamie Green.
