Formula E Monaco E-Prix winner Oliver Rowland has called for clarity from the FIA after a tough race which saw him clash with NEOM McLaren’s Taylor Barnard.
Mid-race, the Nissan driver attempted two overtakes on his protege, in which he had to take avoiding action by using the run-off areas, keeping the lead.
Barnard escaped without penalty, which left Rowland scratching his head, as he felt the incidents warranted penalisation under the current rules.
Speaking to Motorsport Week after his third win of the season, Rowland explained that he was not angry with Barnard, but just confused by what he believes is a distinct lack of direction on what drivers can and can’t do.
“I mean, I’m all for it, I’m one of the most aggressive!” he said. “For me, the important thing is I want to find every competitive advantage I can so it’s important I understand.
“Because, for me, it was my corner.”
Rowland speculated that the reshuffle in race control – with longstanding Race Director Scot Elkins having retired – might be the reason behind the issue.
“It’s quite clear [the rules], but obviously we’ve had a change of stewards and all that sort of stuff. So I’ll probably go to have a chat with them later and just understand them.”
De Vries says Mahindra are ‘in it together’ as he hopes for wet Race 2
Nyck de Vries took his first Formula E podium in three years with second in the Mahindra, with team-mate Edoardo Mortara finishing in fourth, another double points finish for the Indian marque.
However, he was not quick to get carried away, saying the the team’s hard work is at the forefront of its improvements and is happy to take it all one step at a time.
“Honestly, the team deserves all the credit today,” he told Motorsport Week. “They definitely did a great job on the calls that they made on the pit wall, and we were a team.
“We were in it together and I think there is a lot of mutual trust and kind of tough love. We challenge each-other, but in a constructive way and so far that’s been working very well.”
There has been a threat of rain from the forecasts, with Monaco often being unpredictable. And despite the challenges rain gives the drivers, with the Hankook tyre providing little help, de Vries is hopeful for some showers.
“For me, there is too much energy saving, and I’m personally not a big fans of those huge peloton style races and there’s less merit in the game and therefore, I think if we have some rain, then maybe the energy effective is not as penalising.”
Dennis savours first podium in over a year – ‘been a long time coming’
Jake Dennis took his first podium finish since Misano last year, in what has been a difficult period for the Season 9 Champion.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he told Motorsport Week, adding he “felt like [we] deserved it.”
He also conveyed his gratitude to team-mate Nico Mueller, who, due to a Pit Boost issue, fell back to protect Dennis’ third place, after a recharge issue rendered his chances of victory slim.
“I can’t thank him enough,” he said.
READ MORE – Monaco E-Prix: Oliver Rowland takes victory in Race 1 to extend title lead
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