Season Three Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi believes that Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler's hard work is reflected by its current run of consecutive podium finishes and ultimate contention for victory.
Di Grassi, who won February's Mexico City E-Prix, currently sits in third in the Drivers' Championship, tied with Venturi's Edoardo Mortara with 52 points while Envision Virgin Racing's Sam Bird currently leads, holding a slender one point advantage over Jerome d'Ambrosio who occupies second.
While Audi had a difficult start to Season Five, only managing eighth and ninth in Ad Diriyah, the reigning Teams' Champions have witnessed a turnaround in performance, with Daniel Abt taking third in Santiago prior to di Grassi's win in Mexico which was soon followed by another podium in Hong Kong.
"That Daniel [Abt] and I are now in contention for trophies and victories is the result of the hard work done by the whole team," said di Grassi ahead of this weekend's Sanya E-Prix.
"This is what distinguishes our squad: we show our real strength when the conditions are tough and the pressure is high.
"We’ve now been on the podium three times in a row and will give our all to continue this string of success in Sanya. This season, the championship is more closely fought than ever before."
In the Teams' Standings, the works Audi unit also sit in a strong position, currently holding a total of 86 points while customer team Envision Virgin lead with a tally of 97 points after taking one victory and three additional podium positions using the German squad's e-Tron FE05 package.
"It obviously feels good to be in contention in both championships,” added Team Principal Allan McNish.
"But the championship positions are only really relevant after the last race, so we are only focusing on the next race.
"Sanya is a new track for all of the teams and drivers, so proper preparation is all the more important."
The Sanya E-Prix marks Formula E's return to mainland China after the all-electric single seater series last raced there in Beijing in 2015, with the race taking place this weekend on March 23.
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