Post-Race Time Penalty Costs Maserati MSG Racing Points in 2024 Shanghai E-Prix
In Numbers:
Maximilian Günther:
- Free Practice One: P13
- Free Practice Two: P10
- Qualifying: P14 (1:14.383, Group A)
- Race: P21
- Positions Gained: -7
- Fastest Lap: 1:16.859
- Championship: P8 (67 points)
Jehan Daruvala:
- Free Practice One: P18
- Free Practice Two: P20
- Qualifying: P20 (1:14.493, Group A)
- Race: P19
- Positions Gained: +1
- Fastest Lap: 1:16.693
- Championship: P19 (8 points)
Maserati MSG Racing:
- Championship: P6 (75 points)
In Detail:
Maserati MSG Racing faced a challenging start at the 2024 Shanghai E-Prix, marking the FIA Formula E World Championship’s return to mainland China for the first time since Season 2. The Monaco-based team entered the weekend with high hopes following a promising performance in Berlin but struggled to find pace on the fast and flowing Shanghai International Circuit.
Both drivers, Maximilian Günther and Jehan Daruvala, commenced their qualifying runs from Group A. Despite showing improvement, they missed out on the duels, starting 14th and 20th on the grid, respectively.
Adopting a critical energy-saving strategy from the start, Jehan fell to 22nd and Max to 18th after taking their Attack Modes early on laps four and eight. By conserving energy, they aimed to outmaneuver their competitors. Jehan climbed to 19th, while Max launched a strong comeback, reaching the top 10.
On lap 16 of 29, Max, in an intense battle with Jean-Eric Vergne and Oliver Rowland, surged forward, reaching as high as seventh place. However, Max lost crucial positions in the final laps. After finishing ninth, he received a 10-second penalty for earlier contact, demoting him to 21st. Jehan finished 19th.
In Their Words:
Maximilian Günther, Driver, Maserati MSG Racing:
“Starting from 14th, our goal was to save energy, gain an advantage, and secure points, which we achieved before the penalty. It was a wild race with a lot of fighting. Unfortunately, overtaking was difficult despite our good energy position. We need to review the race, but before the penalty, I was pleased with our recovery. Our one-lap pace looks strong, and with a solid qualifying, we can be well-positioned tomorrow.”
Jehan Daruvala, Driver, Maserati MSG Racing:
“Today’s race was challenging. Energy saving was crucial due to the circuit’s demands, making overtaking tough with our high lap targets. There’s a lot to learn from today, and if we can start higher, tomorrow could be better.”
Cyril Blais, Deputy Team Principal, Maserati MSG Racing:
“An exciting race in Shanghai, but unfortunately, it didn’t go our way. We adopted an energy-saving strategy, and both drivers performed well. Max was set for a points finish before the penalty, and Jehan had a more complicated race but showed good pace. With some analysis tonight, we aim to deliver more in the next race.”
Giovanni Sgro, Head of Maserati Corse:
“We anticipated this circuit to be a challenge, and racing can sometimes be disappointing. Max finished P9 but was relegated to P21 due to a penalty. Jehan also faced difficulties but climbed a few places. Both drivers will push hard to improve tomorrow. We’re confident of gaining valuable points and spreading our electrification message through Maserati’s participation in Formula E.”
These rewrites and title suggestions aim to enhance the article’s clarity and engagement, providing a polished narrative for the readers.
