2023 Diriyah E-Prix: Maserati MSG Racing faces tough opening race

ABU DHABI: In the first race of the Saudi Arabian doubleheader for Formula E, Maserati MSG Racing had a challenging time handling a number of obstacles at the 2023 Diriyah E-Prix. The team made improvements during practice at the UNESCO World Heritage Site after a promising weekend in Mexico City. However, they had to suffer a brutal qualifying session in the afternoon.

Edoardo Mortara and Maximilian Günther began their efforts with full enthusiasm. But, due to the sudden front tyre lock and collision leading to substantial maintenance work, Max was unable to compete in the race, leaving Edo as Maserati MSG Racing's lone charger. From grid position 20, he made quick progress on the first lap and kept fighting after a brief Safety Car period. After passing Sérgio Sette Câmara for 14th on lap 11, Edo moved up to 15th before settling into a pace behind reigning world champion Stoffel Vandoorne.

The team's focus is now entirely on Race Two in Diriyah after Edo was forced to retire from the race due to a puncture on lap 33 of 39.

According to James Rossiter, Team Principal, Maserati MSG Racing, Action is the only option available when faced with a challenging circumstance, and after a very difficult qualifying, the team pulled together and, more importantly, came back fighting. The technicians performed a fantastic job fixing Edo's automobile and getting him on the starting line for the competition. 

“Work on Max’s new chassis is still ongoing, and we still have a lot of work to do overnight. Before our incidents in qualifying, I think we were in a good position and initial findings from practice were very promising. Motorsport is unpredictable and it can be cruel, but that’s just its nature. Spirits for tomorrow are high and if we put a clean day together, I’m confident that we can show the performance we’re capable of,” he added.

Also read: Audi Activesphere is a luxury coupe that transforms into a pickup