António Félix da Costa could have put himself in to title competition, with the Portuguese driver having gained the race of his life on the inaugural Cape City E-Prix. His breathtaking victory on the fifth spherical of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Method E World Championship was his first for the TAG Heuer Porsche Method E Group, and one he’ll always remember.
Forward of the race in South Africa no one had actually thought-about Da Costa as a attainable contender for the win, on condition that he began the race in eleventh. His race tempo, although, was clearly significantly higher than his one lap efficiency, one thing which has grow to be a pattern for the Porsche drivers this season. Da Costa steadily labored his approach via the sphere till he discovered himself sitting comfortably in fourth; nonetheless, fourth quickly turned third after Maximilian Günther hit a barrier at Flip One, ensuing within the German retiring from the race.
Günther retiring on-track resulted in a sudden Full Course Yellow, which noticed the entrance two attempt to activate their remaining Assault Mode. In doing so, Da Costa acquired forward of Sacha Fenestraz and into second, earlier than overtaking Nick Cassidy for the race lead with a spectacular transfer at Flip Eight. He later misplaced the lead, although, to Jean-Éric Vergne, after lacking a detection zone when making an attempt to activate his second Assault Mode. It meant he misplaced the lead when he efficiently activated it not lengthy after, giving Vergne the benefit.
Da Costa was driving extremely, although, and remained proper behind Vergne because the race approached its shut. He lastly made his transfer at Flip Eight as soon as once more on the penultimate lap in what was among the finest overtakes within the historical past of the game, earlier than defending beautifully to assert his first win of 2023 and his first for Porsche. The win has elevated Da Costa into title competition, with the previous Champion having risen to fourth within the Drivers’ Championship following his victory.
Da Costa couldn’t “consider” that he really gained the race, with the Portuguese driver having been a “bit tearful” given how arduous he’s labored since shifting to Porsche.
“I nonetheless can’t consider it. What a race! Clinching my first win for Porsche right here in Cape City after ranging from P11 is just incredible. It really felt like an endurance race with a lot taking place. Our technique labored completely and I attempted to maintain my cool over the entire distance however once I crossed the end line, I acquired a bit tearful. I need to thank everybody within the staff for his or her terrific help and belief. It spurred me on and made this achievement attainable.”
Collision with Buemi “was clearly my fault” – Pascal Wehrlein
For championship chief Pascal Wehrlein, it was a race to overlook, after an uncharacteristic error noticed the German crash into the again of Sébastian Buemi on the opening lap.
Wehrlein had been wanting sturdy in Cape City, with the Porsche driver having certified sixth for the fifth race of the season. He made a clear getaway and settled rapidly behind Buemi, earlier than out-braking himself at Flip Ten, sending him into the again of Buemi. It was utterly Wehrlein’s fault, one thing he instantly recognised, with the error having ended his race there after which.
His retirement marked the primary time this season the place Wehrlein hasn’t completed within the factors; nonetheless, he maintained his eighteen level championship lead on account of Jake Dennis having completed outdoors the factors as nicely.
Reflecting on the race, Wehrlein admitted that “errors occur” and that he “couldn’t keep away from the collision” with Buemi, which fortunately didn’t price him an excessive amount of within the standings.
“That was a disappointing race for me. After qualifying nicely, I might have achieved lots immediately. That was clearly my fault. I braked a bit of too late and a bit of too arduous, the wheels locked up and I couldn’t keep away from the collision. Errors occur. I’m now wanting forward. It was a terrific day for Porsche. The staff and I are very happy about António’s win.”
