Formula E: Cassidy wins New York E-Prix as race cut short
Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy claimed his first ever Formula E victory in a chaotic New York E-Prix that was cut short due to rain.
It was a surprise pole position for Envision’s Nick Cassidy as the Kiwi managed to tame a challenging circuit which saw title challengers Mitch Evans and Jean Éric-Vergne struggle.
As Cassidy battled with Lucas Di Grassi of ROKiT Venturi Racing and Mercedes EQ’s Stoffel Vandoorne, the Envision man remained cool and executed his Attack Mode strategies well to lead the pack for the majority of the race.
Title contenders Jean Éric-Vergne (DS Techeetah), Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) and Edoardo Mortara (ROKiT Venturi Racing) all struggled with the New York circuit, with all of them finishing well behind the front row.
Vergne ended the race in 18th and whilst Evans was only to climb up to 11th and outside the points, Mortara battled well to register a healthy amount of points with fifth placed finish, despite picking up some damage to his front wing midway through the race.
As the race entered its closing stages, it had been plane-sailing and relatively uneventful until a sudden downpour saw a number of cars skid off into Turn 6, causing a multi-car pile-up.
The puddle was placed directly on the braking zone of Turn 6 and caused leader Cassidy, di Grassi, Vandoorne, Mortara and a number of other drivers to fly straight on and into the barrier.
The race was red flagged and after a lengthy delay, the decision was made from race control to end the race with just over seven minutes remaining on the clock.
On countback, the results were taken as of the lap prior to the one in which the stoppage was called, as per article 41.9 of the regulations – meaning the victory was given to Cassidy, with di Grassi and Frijns rounding out the podium.
It was a maiden victory for Envision’s Cassidy who has endured a frustrating campaign so far, and the Kiwi will be hoping to replicate today’s result when the drivers’ head back out on to the streets of Manhatten tomorrow for Round 12.
Mortara’s fifth placed finish is enough to keep the ROKiT Venturi man at the top of the drivers’ standings, ahead of Mercedes’ Vandoorne who is up into second place, switching places with Jean Éric-Vergne who slips down after a tricky day on track. Evans stays in fourth after failing to score any points.
Round 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship takes place on Sunday 17th July on with the second race of the New York E-Prix double header.
