The NIO 333 team, partnered by Acronis, approaches the fourth round of the 2019-2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship with high hopes at the world famous Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
With the outbreak of the Coronavirus still a huge concern for the team’s home country, both cars will be carrying a new message on its cars, # Be Strong China, Ma Qinghua also making the sacrifice of going into a 14-day quarantine period prior to the race.
1 Day to Go! #NIO333FE #MexicoEPrix #ABBFormulaE pic.twitter.com/NMqq2bBfzx
— NIO 333 Formula E Team (@NIO333FormulaE) February 14, 2020
Oliver Turvey will also be hoping that his liking of the 2.606km circuit and recent good form will lead to a first points haul of the season. The British driver scored his sole pole position (2017) and his only podium finish (2018, runner-up) in Mexico, and scorched to a brilliant Superpole in Santiago before running strongly in the top ten.
“I have some great memories of racing here in Mexico with some great results – my first Pole Position in Formula E in Season 3 and my first podium in Season 4,” said Turvey. “It is always great coming back and the crowd here is fantastic. We always have a lot of support. It is a fantastic track, with the stadium section. This year we have a slightly different layout, a lot faster track. I think it will be challenging on energy. Really looking forward to getting back out on track, hope to have another strong qualifying after Santiago and then a stronger race.”
It's Race week! 🏁🇲🇽
Don't forget to give our drivers your votes! #Fanboost #OliverTurvey#NIO333FE #MexicoEPrix #MaQingHua #ABBFormulaE #monday #electricstreetracing pic.twitter.com/8GB7Vq2wYp— NIO 333 Formula E Team (@NIO333FormulaE) February 10, 2020
Around 10,000 fervent Formula E fans will be in attendance at the only track that Formula E shares with Formula 1, and the ‘Stadium-like’ Foro Sol will surely see some NIO 333 flags and colours cheering on both Turvey and Ma Qinghua.
“This is my first visit to the Mexico track,” added Ma. “The new layout modification has resulted in the increase of the average speed. Especially the last two corners, changed from a stop-go section to a full throttle corner, at least it was the case on the simulator. This will be a challenge for the car’s performance facing high speed corners.
“At the same time, this will create better overtaking opportunities in the race. In addition to that, the Mexico City track is the only purposely built circuit in the calendar, meaning smoother tarmac. I hope to achieve another step this weekend.”