Audi’s Lucas di Grassi Tops FP1 in Marrakesh

By Aaron Bearden, Contributing Writer

Defending ABB FIA Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi and Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler got off to a strong start in their efforts to bounce back into title contention in Morocco.

Di Grassi streaked across the start-finish line on a full power lap with a time 1:20.310 as the sun rose above the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan to set quick time in the first of two free practice sessions for Saturday’s Marrakesh E-Prix.

The lap was the quickest seen from the all-electric series at Marrakesh, topping the previous record set in 2016 by Sebastien Buemi (1:20.599).

Jerome d’Ambrosio followed in second for Dragon Racing with a time of 1:21.224, while Daniel Abt led the way for drivers that didn’t complete a lap at the full 200kw power with a circuit at 1:21.577.

Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Mitch Evans (1:21.612) followed in fourth, with Sebastien Buemi (1:21.632) rounding out the top five. Sam Bird (1:21.651), Jean-Eric Vergne (1:21.694), Nelson Piquet Jr. (1:21.819), Felix Rosenqvist (1:21.830) and Oliver Turvey (1:21.897) completed the top 10.

Running in the cool, crisp air of the early morning on a surprisingly dusty race track, Formula E’s opening practice session of the weekend saw a host of problems hit various drivers in the field.

Venturi Formula E Team was hit the hardest of any, struggling with energy issues that brought breakout rookie Edoardo Mortara and Maro Engel to a stop on-track and forced yellow multiple time. The duo both struggled to find pace, finishing the session outside of the top 15 on speed.

Andre Lotterer stalled once on-track himself. Di Grassi scraped the wall en-route to his quick time and Luca Filippi brought out a brief yellow for a spin in Turn 1 early in the session.

While it never forced caution, the 12th and final turn on the 1.86-mile circuit also gave the field a litany of issues, with drivers including Piquet and Bird sliding well off-course at the turn’s exit before continuing on. If the trend continues, then the final turn could have an impact on qualifying later in the day.

The Formula E paddock will return for Free Practice 2 at 5:25 a.m. ET.

Marrakesh E-Prix Free Practice 1 Results