BMW i Andretti Motorsport team boss Roger Griffiths believes that the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit should suit the outfit’s iFE.20 package.
The German-American squad has showcased strong pace at the start of Formula E’s new season, with Alexander Sims and Maximilian Guenther taking back-to-back victories in Diriyah and Santiago.
Returning to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez this weekend, Formula E has made a number of changes to the circuit, with the addition of six new corners and removal of two chicanes generating a 25% longer lap than Season 5.
Combining this longer layout with an increased quantity of full-throttle sections – including a 750m run from the exit of Turn 15 to the entry of Turn 1 – average speeds are higher, making energy management more challenging.
Furthermore, situated 2,234m above sea level, the low atmospheric pressure of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will impact tyre pressures and cooling while the anticipation of extensive tyre wear will make management vital over the weekend.
Despite the challenging nature of the fourth race of the 2019/20 campaign, Griffiths believes that his BMW team is prepared, with the circuit ahead suiting the strengths of its Season 6 package.
“We have not been taking it easy after our successes in Diriyah and Santiago,” he said. “We have been focused on all aspects of a Formula E weekend to ensure that we can continue to improve while our fans in Mexico City are watching.
“We realise that consistency and avoiding errors are the key to success in Formula E. The circuit in Mexico City should be well suited to the strengths of the BMW i drivetrain. Our podium finish last year showed that.”
With Sims and Guenther placed second and fourth in the Drivers’ Championship, both drivers will have to complete their initial qualifying runs in Group 1 – typically a session with a noticable disadvantage compared to the remaining three due to low track evolution.
As a permanent racing facility, however, Griffiths believes that this handicap will not be as pronounced in Mexico City with high levels of grip already present:
“The changes to the track layout should also have no effect,” added Griffiths. “The downside of our successful start to the season is that our two drivers will have to compete in qualifying Group 1.
“However, we think that this will be less of a problem in Mexico City than on many other circuits. Our aim is to record some good results and get into the points with both cars.”