Oliver Turvey believes that fans around Mexico will be welcoming to the idea of electric racing as he prepares for this weekend’s Mexico ePrix with NEXTEV TCR.
After a long absence, Formula 1 returned to Mexico in 2015 and were welcomed by a full attendance, and the FIA Formula E Championship is hoping to do the same as drivers and teams race in Mexico for the first time on Saturday afternoon.
“The [Formula 1] Mexican Grand Prix was impressive and I hope that we will be able to welcome many fans and introduce them to electric racing with a fantastic, competitive, exciting Formula E race,” admitted the 28-year-old from Great Britain. “We’re obviously racing on part of the Formula 1 track and it looks like it’s going to be amazing.
I have never competed in Mexico and it will also be my first time visiting the country so I am excited to be competing at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez with its long history in motorsport.”
A total of 89.956kms is expected to be completed by the end of the weekend’s 43 lap race around the 2.092km circuit. The clockwise designed circuit also has a total of 18 turns, with turn 3 believed to the quickest corner around the track.
Turvey continued with: “…The biggest challenge of the event will be learning a new track in the short practice time – although as this is my first full season most of the circuits are new for me so hopefully my ability to learn tracks quickly will benefit me here.
I have learnt how to be efficient with my driving in the race, to use the energy in the most efficient way to make the strategy work. It is a different skill to many other series but something I was able to pick up quickly in my first Formula E race in London, although every time you get in the car you learn and are able to improve so mastering this efficient driving style is important in Formula E.”
Turvey is ahead of NEXTEV TCR teammate Nelson Piquet Jr currently in the championship, with the British racer sitting 12th in the championship whilst the Brazilian is 15th. In the first four races of the season, Turvey has managed to score 10 points and will hope to improve that tally by the end of weekend.
Also making comment about the upcoming race is Martin Leach, President of NEXTEV: “…We are looking forward to visiting Mexico City, a brand new venue on the Formula E calendar, and famous for its passionate racing fans.
Oliver and Nelson have been to Germany ahead of the race and have been working hard on our new simulator. We’re looking to build on our recently improving performance with points scoring finishes in the race.”
The first Mexico ePrix will take place on Saturday afternoon in Mexico City.
