BMW i Andretti Motorsport misses out on the points at the Swiss E-Prix in Bern.

Bern. BMW i Andretti Motorsport was unable to back up the
strong performances last time out at the team’s home race in Berlin
(GER) as the European leg of this season’s ABB FIA Formula E
Championship drew to a close in Bern (SUI). António Félix da Costa
(POR) and Alexander Sims (GBR) finished 12th and
14th at the Swiss E-Prix.

 

Sims started the race from 17th on the grid and Félix da
Costa from 20th following a difficult qualifying. Over the
course of the race, which was initially interrupted and then
re-started following a crash on the opening lap, the two BMW i
Andretti Motorsport drivers did manage to work their way up the order.
However, with overtaking very difficult on the narrow circuit, a
points finish was ultimately a step too far. Victory went to Jean Éric
Vergne (FRA, Techeetah).

 

Reactions to the Swiss E-Prix:

 

Roger Griffiths (BMW i Andretti Motorsport team principal):

“We expected more from this race. Unfortunately, we had a few minor
technical issues in the first practice session, which we were able to
solve, but which cost us valuable time. By the time we went into
qualifying, we did not have the perfect set-up for this track.
Unfortunately, that was reflected in our grid positions. It is
extremely difficult to climb into the top ten from so far back on such
a narrow circuit. Our drivers did a good job in the race, but were not
rewarded with any points.”

 

António Félix da Costa (#28 BMW iFE.18, qualifying result:
20th place, race result: 12th place, FANBOOST
voting: 2nd place, points: 82):

“No points – that was not a good day for us. Unfortunately, it began
with a disappointing qualifying. There are reasons for us lacking
pace, but we will still have to analyse them closely. From our grid
positions, it was difficult to make much progress in the race. The
result is obviously a set-back for me in the Drivers’ Championship. It
is now important to end the season with as positive results as
possible in New York.”

 

Alexander Sims (#27 BMW iFE.18, qualifying result:
17th place, race result: 14th place, FANBOOST
voting: 17th place, points: 24):

“Our race pace was far better than in qualifying. We have to
understand why we cannot realise our potential in qualifying. That is
obviously a great shame. I was then hit by another car in the race, as
a result of which I lost some positions. Who knows, maybe I could have
finished in the points were it not for this incident.“

 

The BMW i Fleet

BMW i is “Official Vehicle Partner” of the ABB FIA Formula E
Championship in Season 5. Spearheading the fleet are two Safety Cars:
The BMW i8 Roadster Safety Car (combined fuel consumption: 2.0 l/100
km; combined power consumption: 14.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO2
emissions: 46 g/km)*, which has been specially modified for use at the
racetrack, and the BMW i8 Coupé Safety Car (combined fuel consumption:
1.8 l/100 km; combined power consumption: 14.0 kWh/100 km; combined
CO2 emissions: 42 g/km)*. The BMW i fleet also includes the BMW i3s
(combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined energy consumption:
14.3 kWh; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)* as “Race
Director Car” and the BMW 530e (combined fuel consumption: 2.2-2.1
l/100 km; combined energy consumption: 13.6-13.3 kWh/100 km; combined
CO2 emissions: 49-47 g/km)* in its role as “Medical Car”.