News

• Quotes from Gary Paffett and Stoffel Vandoorne ahead of the race in Morocco
• Ulrich Fritz: "Our primary goal is for both cars to finish the race on Saturday, and to gain more experience."
• Facts and schedule for the Marrakesh E-Prix

Affalterbach, 9th January 2019 – HWA RACELAB continues to go from one first to another: this Saturday (12.01.), the new Formula E team will make its first appearance in Morocco. After 16th place for Stoffel Vandoorne and Gary Paffett's retirement at the season-opener in Riyadh, the priority is now to make the most of the data and findings acquired there, in order to be more competitive at the Marrakesh E-Prix. With this in mind, the motorsport experts from Affalterbach have been preparing meticulously for the event in the North African metropolis.

The Marrakesh E-Prix is making its third appearance on the ABB FIA Formula E calendar. The event will be held at the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan, a temporary street circuit near the Medina and world-famous souks. The race, featuring the new Gen2 cars, will last 45 minutes plus one lap.

Gary Paffett (37, England)
"I am really looking forward to Marrakesh. Riyadh was a tough way to start - the first race weekend for me and the HWA RACELAB team in Formula E. The rainy conditions did not make it any easier for us. Yes, that was a difficult Saturday, but we feel better prepared for Marrakesh - especially as I have already driven there during last year's rookie test. As such, I have a little more experience than in Riyadh, at least as far as the circuit is concerned. We have all learned from the first race and are now looking to gain more experience in Marrakesh."

Stoffel Vandoorne (26, Belgium)
"I was in Miami during the short winter break. A few days without racing - that was very relaxing, but I am now looking forward to Marrakesh and round two of the Formula E championship. At the first race in Riyadh we had mixed feelings: there were highs and lows. Our speed in practice - and, in principle, all weekend - was extremely promising. With this in mind, I am excited about Marrakesh. The circuit is new to me. A few of the other drivers are already familiar with it, but I am still confident. We will build on the experience gained in Riyadh and I am sure that we can significantly improve our performance in the race."

Ulrich Fritz, Team Principal HWA RACELAB
"The experience we gained at the first race in Saudi Arabia was both positive and informative. On the positive side was certainly the performance in qualifying and the team spirit within our fledgling team, which is incredibly determined to familiarise itself with what is a new series for us, and to achieve success in the medium term. We are closing in on this goal with every event and every session - although we are well aware that we still have a long way to go. The race was definitely disappointing: both cars were involved in crashes early in the race, resulting in Gary having to retire immediately and Stoffel battling on with a damaged car, which consequently saw him drop to the back of the field. Our goals remain the same for Marrakesh. Our primary objective is to get both cars through to the finish on Saturday and to gain more experience."

Facts on the Marrakesh E-Prix
Circuit: Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan
Length: 2.99 km
Corners: 12
Distance: 45 min + 1 lap

Schedule for 12th January 2019
Free practice 1: 08:00 - 08:45 (CET)
Free practice 2: 10:15 - 10:45 (CET)
Qualifying: 12:00 - 12:45 (CET)
Super Pole: 12:45 - 13:05 (CET)
Race: 16:00 (CET)
Podium ceremony: 17:00 (CET)