Abt Schaeffler Audi team owner Hans-Jurgen Abt has said that he’s satisfied with his team’s performance despite narrowly missing out on both titles last weekend.
Going into the double header London ePrix the team were narrowly behind Renault e.dams in the team’s championship, with Lucas di Grassi leading the driver’s championship by a single point from Sebastien Buemi.
However a double victory from Renault’s Nico Prost saw Abt lose out on the team’s championship, and Buemi took the driver’s title with the fastest lap in the final race.
When asked if he was happy with the final result, Hans-Jurgen Abt said, “Very satisfied after having had a few days between the finale and today to digest everything. We shouldn’t forget that Formula E is competitive sport at the highest international level.”
“We compete as ABT against manufacturers like Renault or Citroën DS. In this field, to take trophies and wins and to fight for the title down the last race is an extraordinary performance by the entire team and its partners.”
“When you have the title within grasp on the final weekend, you need to take a step back to fully appreciate this.”
Abt also defended Lucas di Grassi after he took out Buemi out on the first lap of the final race. The Brazilian was criticised for his move that had it taken both drivers out, would have seen him take the title.
“Lucas is without doubt one of the most cautious drivers on the grid – otherwise he would not have mounted the podium eight times this season,” Abt said. “It is also clear that he had to take more risks in the last race in order to have any chance against Sebastien Buemi.”
“The collision was unfortunate, but the championship was not decided by this. I believe everyone would be well advised to congratulate Séb and Renault for winning the title, and acknowledge Lucas for one of his strongest seasons ever.”
