Sun, sea and Sanya: Lola Yamaha ABT looks to build on momentum in China

Lola Yamaha ABT will be racing on the streets of Sanya this weekend as the ABB FIA Formula E Championship heads into the Asian leg of Season 12.

The 12-turn, 2.52km track features two long straights split by a tight hairpin, providing plenty of overtaking opportunities while requiring careful energy management. The high temperatures and humidity levels expected throughout the weekend will add a further challenge to the race.

Last time out in Monaco, Lola Yamaha ABT scored points in both races and secured its first double points finish, taking home seven points across the weekend. However, elements of Lucas’ powertrain were also changed after qualifying in Monaco meaning he enters the Sanya E-Prix with a 40-place grid penalty.

Lucas di Grassi, #11: “We took a lot of positives away from Monaco and it was great for the team to secure points in both races. Sanya will present a very different challenge for myself and the team. Not only will the high heat and humidity create more difficult racing conditions but we are also entering the race in Sanya with a penalty which means we will start from the back and have a drive through during the race. However, with the unpredictability of Formula E, the challenges the weather could bring and the hard work the team has put in over the past month, anything could happen. We will push ahead and focus on maximising pace, performance and optimisation as much as possible in the race to achieve a positive result and continue the good momentum from Monaco.”

Zane Maloney, #22: “It was great to be able to convert pace into points in Monaco. This will be my first time racing in Sanya and I’m looking forward to experiencing a new circuit, with a lot of overtaking opportunities. Hopefully we can continue the progress from the last few races and score more points here.”

Mark Preston, Team Principal, Lola Yamaha ABT, said: “Monaco marked a number of firsts for the team. It was not only our first double points finish but also the first time we scored points in both races in a double-header weekend. It is a testament to the work the team has put in to see this continued improvement and hopefully this can continue as we go into the first of five races in Asia.”

Round 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship take place on Sunday 20th June with qualifying at 10:40 and 15:05 CST (UTC +8). Find out where to watch the action where you are here.