FIA Formula E diary: Lucas di Grassi live from Monaco

FIA Formula E comes to Europe for the first time. The season now moves into a crucial phase with the visit to Monaco. Starting from a position of strength in the Principality is adoptive Monégasque Lucas di Grassi. In his diary on DHL InMotion, the ABT Sportsline driver gives us an exclusive insight into his race weekend.

9th May 2015
Championship lead extended
I intended to attack from P2 on the grid today and was aiming for the race victory. Although I did attack and try my best, it wasn’t quite enough. However, five podiums so far is a respectable tally, and it’s an extraordinary experience to be handed a trophy by Prince Albert himself. But the most important thing is that we’re going to Berlin as championship leader. With the support of our fans and team sponsors, we are looking forward to many more podium appearances.

9th May 2015
Ready for the off!
The tension is mounting as I prepare to get into my car. I have a slender one-point lead in the standings, so the race is guaranteed to be a tense affair. We’re looking to put in a disciplined team performance here in Monaco to ensure that we are best placed for the final sprint to the end of the season. My most recent result was a third-place finish in Long Beach, and I’m aiming to improve on that in my home race. Please keep your fingers crossed for a good result!

8th May 2015
Give me a FanBoost
There’s another way you can help me secure a good result this weekend. As with all FIA Formula E races, you can give your favourite for the Monaco race a FanBoost via Twitter. This allows a five-second burst of 30kW extra power. On the exceptionally narrow straight here, this can deliver an important advantage. So please click on my name at fanboost.fiaformulae.com ;-)

8th May 2015
Behind the Scenes
Yesterday, DHL invited journalists for a behind-the-scenes tour. They were given some fascinating insights into the world of Formula E. The whole issue of e-mobility is becoming more and more important, so it was a big honour for me as a contestant in the Formula E series to make my contribution to raising public awareness of battery-powered cars.

7th May 2015
In the footsteps of Formula 1
The circuit in Monaco is just 1.76 kilometres in length, which makes it the shortest track on the calendar. It starts on the home straight used by Formula 1 before taking an immediate right turn down to the port. After a hairpin, it returns to some of the better-known sections, including the Tabac and Swimming Pool corners. I have already competed in an actual Formula 1 Grand Prix here back in 2010, so that may give me a slight edge. In the simulator, it takes about 48 seconds for a fast qualifying lap.

6th May 2015
Home race in Monaco
The season is entering a decisive phase which happens to coincide with a race that is very special for me. I’ve lived in Monaco for several years now, and I often survey sections of the track on my bicycle. It’s great that Formula E is finally coming to Europe. You can sense the massive interest from fans and from the media. I’m sure the race on the Côte d’Azur will be a highlight of the Formula E season and a wonderful advertisement for the series.