André Lotterer hopes the experience and success of previous outings in the Rome ePrix benefits him this weekend, although with adaptations to the circuit means his previous achievements may mean very little.
The TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team driver started the 2020-21 FIA Formula E season without breaking into the points in either race in the Diriyah ePrix, and he will be looking to break into the top ten this weekend in Italy.
Lotterer has finished on the podium on both of his previous outings in Rome, with a third-place finish in 2017-18 being followed by a second place in 2018-19, the latter from pole position, and he is aiming for more success across this weekend’s two races in the Italian capital.
“It’s of course a great feeling to return to a racetrack where you’ve been successful,” said Lotterer. “I’ve climbed the podium twice in Rome and I’ve set pole position once.
“Let’s see whether these experiences turn out to be in my favour. This is the first race for our team in Rome, and we’ll be driving a new track variation. This is advantageous for us, because with the variation, the track is new for us all.”
Lotterer says that while the results in the Diriyah ePrix weren’t ideal, the performances around the Saudi Arabia track showed signs of progress for Porsche, and he hopes to build on that this weekend in Rome.
“Every racing kilometre brings us forward,” he said. “Two races also mean two chances for a successful performance. Not everything went smoothly in Diriyah, but there were still many positives.
“We were among the top group in the practices, which is always a good sign. We have a solid basis to build on. We’ve done the preparation work for Rome and I hope we’ll be rewarded as a team for our hard work.”
