Moscow ePrix: E-mobility in the fast lane

Electric mobility is a topic of growing importance for a mega-city such as Moscow, so Formula E was the perfect platform on which to present the subject to a broad public.

In the immediate vicinity of Red Square and against the breathtaking backdrop of the Kremlin and St Basil Cathedral, the FIA Formula E Championship staged the first-ever race on Russian soil. It was only in February that Moscow secured this slot on the racing calendar, so the fact that the event went off so smoothly was all the more impressive. In the context of the Moscow ePrix, fans and local motorists were able to see for themselves how important the issue of electric mobility is for a traffic-choked metropolis such as the Russian capital. DHL recently launched two electric cars for operations in Moscow with plans to further increase the number of vehicles. One of the cars was on display in the temporary eVillage which, as always, was a popular destination for race visitors. In addition to the car, visitors also flocked to the DHL Power Bike Challenge and to the autograph session with Lucas di Grassi and Daniel Abt. 

“I had a lot of energy in reserve and would have loved to attack Nelson. We’ll have to take a close look at the reason for that before the next race.”

Nelson Piquet Jnr celebrated his second win of the season in the Moscow ePrix. On the 2.39km street circuit with its total of 13 corners, no-one was able to get past Piquet. Starting from second on the grid, the former F1 star immediately seized the lead which he then successfully defended to the end. Cheered on by local hero Vitaly Petrov, Hollywood actress Lindsay Lohan and IndyCar legend Dario Franchitti, Lucas di Grassi mounted a spirited pursuit of Piquet from second place in the second half of the race, but he was unable to crown it with a decisive passing manoeuvre due to a technical problem. 

“We’ve shown everyone that we don’t give up and that we are capable of winning at any time,” said di Grassi after finishing the race as runner-up. “I had a lot of energy in reserve and would have loved to attack Nelson. We’ll have to take a close look at the reason for that before the next race.” The initial claimant on the third and final podium spot was Switzerland’s Sebastien Buemi. However, he was subsequently handed a time penalty due to an error by his pit crew on the car changeover. This dropped Buemi down to ninth and allowed Nick Heidfeld to inherit his third place.

“We’ve shown everyone that we don’t give up and that we are capable of winning at any time.”

Celebrities mingled with drivers on Friday evening, getting in the mood for the Moscow race weekend. Formula EJ laid on the music for a great atmosphere at the cocktail reception high above the city skyline. FIA president Jean Todt was also determined not to miss out on this unique occasion. Race winner Nelson Piquet already had a busy schedule behind him, having visited Moscow Zoo on Thursday together with ex-F1 driver Jerome d’Ambrosio and attended a cookery class on Friday, this time in the company of Vitantonio Liuzzi and Jaime Alguersuari. 

One wonders whether the time spent studying Russian cuisine gave the Brazilian that extra inspiration one day later? In any case, Piquet will arrive in London for the final double-bill event with bags of confidence after securing his second win of the season and moving into a 17-point lead over di Grassi. There are still 50 points up for grabs in the season finale on the weekend of 27th/28th June. Following the mammoth haul from Berlin to Moscow within less than two weeks via truck, the Formula E freight will now return to the UK where it’s journey started more than 9 months ago to the thrilling grand finale in London – delivered by DHL.