Image: Formula E
Pascal Wehrlein, from Tag Heuer Porsche, is gearing up for the first Shanghai E-Prix this weekend, sitting just 16 points behind the leader in the drivers’ standings. With three more double-header race weekends on the calendar, there are still plenty of opportunities to score points.
Season 10 has been a season of progress for Wehrlein. In Season 9, he struggled with the one-lap pace of the Porsche car in qualifying, but those issues have been resolved this year. The team has become one of the most consistent and strong on the Formula E grid. Porsche recently announced their commitment to Formula E until the end of the GEN4 era, which has brought great motivation and excitement for Wehrlein and the team.
“The whole team is thrilled with this news,” he says. “It’s a huge boost for everyone involved in the project.”
The talk of the town in Formula E during the European stages of the calendar has been pack racing. This style of racing has divided opinions among drivers, teams, and fans. Both the upcoming Shanghai E-Prix and the following race in Portland are expected to feature more pack racing due to the nature of the circuits. Wehrlein and his teammate, Antonio Felix da Costa, have had success in these races, but Wehrlein emphasizes that other teams have also performed well in these conditions.
“It’s always interesting to hear assumptions,” he says with a smile. “We’ve seen many other teams win races in a pack, so it’s a chaotic and unpredictable style of racing. It’s challenging to avoid problems and keep the car intact, especially when you have four cars side by side in a corner. It’s a waiting game to find the right moment to move forward and stay in the lead. Cassidy and Rowland took more risks and it paid off. We have a strong package, but other teams are also excelling in pack racing. We’re getting better at it.”
After the Berlin race, da Costa and Jake Dennis praised the skill of Formula E drivers in dealing with pack racing. This raises the question of whether a Formula E Drivers’ Association would be beneficial to discuss racing styles and ensure that both drivers and fans are satisfied with the spectacle. Wehrlein believes that communication between drivers is already happening, but personally he feels there is an imbalance in favor of more pack racing.
“Discussions are already underway, but it seems like 80% of the races this year are pack racing,” he explains. “There should be a better mix of circuits, some being difficult to overtake on and others featuring pack racing. Having the majority of races normal with some exceptions would be very interesting. Right now, most races are just about surviving and moving forward at the right moment. We need a better balance.”
Wehrlein shares the concern of many drivers that pack racing diminishes the importance of qualifying. He points to Cassidy’s victory in Berlin as an example of how starting at the back and saving energy can lead to success. He agrees with da Costa that a balanced mix of different circuit styles, proportionally correct, could be the solution.
“I still believe that qualifying should be important,” he says. “At the moment, it seems like we don’t even need to do qualifying because you can start at the back, save energy, and move forward later. We need a better mix of racing styles and hopefully there will be good solutions in the future. If there is a good mix, everyone will be satisfied.”
Looking ahead to the Shanghai E-Prix, Wehrlein is optimistic about his chances of regaining the championship lead. He is excited about Formula E’s return to China after a five-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I hope we have a promising weekend; I believe there are many possibilities for success in the upcoming races.
“I have confidence in our car and our strategic team, so we have all the necessary elements to achieve our goals.
“Our focus should be on maximizing our potential and ensuring that we leave no stone unturned. It is crucial that we give our best on race day and on the track, so that we can look back and say that we did everything we could. This mindset will greatly contribute to a successful weekend.”
“Furthermore, I hope our return to China is greeted with great enthusiasm. We are aware of the immense support we have from our Chinese fans and we look forward to their continued interest in the races here in Shanghai.”
Finally, numerous fans and experts have expressed their admiration for Wehrlein’s exceptional performance in Season 10. Wehrlein, a highly skilled individual, carefully considers whether this is indeed the pinnacle of his career so far.
“It’s always challenging to make this kind of judgment. I believe that, compared to last season, I have progressed.
“Together with the team, we have focused on improving various aspects of our overall performance. This includes enhancing the car setup, refining operational systems, and perfecting my skills as a driver. The collective effort undoubtedly contributed to my growth as a driver this year.
“It’s difficult to definitively label this as my best year in Formula E or to claim that a particular race was my best. Sometimes, I push myself to the limit during qualifying and feel like I couldn’t have done better, resulting in a tenth-place finish. On other occasions, I may feel that there is still room for improvement during a lap, but end up securing pole position. So, it becomes a question of whether being on pole position makes me happy or if I believe it wasn’t my best lap.
“Answering this question is quite complex, but one thing is certain: I have improved this year compared to the previous one because I never stopped learning and continue to strive to improve myself.”
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Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo made an incredible play during last night’s match. The player scored two goals and helped his team secure the victory. With his exceptional skill and determination, Ronaldo once again proved why he is considered one of the best players in the world.
The match started with both teams looking for the goal, but it was Ronaldo who opened the scoring 15 minutes into the first half. He received a perfect pass and shot accurately into the back of the net. The crowd went wild with the goal and the entire stadium vibrated with the play.
In the second half, Ronaldo showed his genius once again by scoring his second goal of the match. He dribbled past three defenders and shot with power, leaving no chance for the opposing goalkeeper. With this goal, Ronaldo became the top scorer of the championship and further increased his reputation as one of the best players in history.
After the game, Ronaldo was interviewed by the press and talked about his performance. He thanked his teammates and said he was happy to contribute to the victory. Ronaldo also praised the support of the fans and promised to continue giving his best on the field.
With this latest victory, Ronaldo’s team is getting closer and closer to the championship title. Fans are excited and believe that the team has a great chance of lifting the trophy. There are only a few games left and the expectation is high to see Ronaldo and his team’s performance in the upcoming matches.
Ronaldo’s team’s next game will be against a tough opponent, but fans are confident that he and his teammates will secure another victory. Everyone is eager to see Ronaldo in action again and hopes that he continues to shine on the field.
There is no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all time. His skill, talent, and dedication to the sport make him an inspiration for many young athletes. The football world is privileged to have such an exceptional player like Ronaldo, and everyone is eager to see what he still has to offer.
