Round 4 & 5 for Lola Yamaha ABT left the team with some mixed opinions. While overall the weekend was not what they had hoped for, the team did gain some valuable insight. This means that hopefully Lola are heading in the right direction. Both Maloney and Di Grassi had different highlights over the weekend.
Not the Weekend Di Grassi Hoped For
The Jeddah weekend was another one filled with frustration for Lucas Di Grassi. From practice all the way to the final chequered flag, it was clear that there was still something lacking. His first qualifying wasn’t any better than free practice the day before, qualifying bottom of the order and starting from the back row.
Race 1 however, there was some steady progress being shown. Di Grassi finished outside of the points, but still made up 4 places to finish P16. This pattern was repeated the following day, with a qualifying P20 but finishing the race in 15th position. The pattern is undeniable – there is potential in both Di Grassi, and also the car. Qualifying is the key area that he seems to struggle, but progress is being made during the races. With attack mode, Di Grassi comes alive, and is able to cut his way through the order.
“We had a good race and really did the best we could, pushing and fighting very hard but unfortunately the car is not quite there yet. We need to continue to work hard to improve the car, especially on performance laps, but we will get there, manage to score points and make all the Lola fans proud,” di Grassi described after Race 2.
Lola has the most successful driver in FE history with Di Grassi, so skill and expertise aren’t an issue here. The car is continuously being improved to find a pairing that’s harmonious.
Maloney Only 0.8 Seconds off the Duels
Joining Formula E last year, Zane Maloney didn’t experience some of the same success as his fellow rookies. Despite this, the Boy from Barbados has made tremendous progress with Lola Yamaha and the Jeddah weekend was filled with positives. Much like his teammate, free practice left much to be anticipated, but in qualifying, Maloney showed just where he and the car are at.
Race 1, he lined up on the back row with his teammate, but began making his way up the order off the start. Disaster came however during that opening lap. Maloney was taken out of the race by the Cupra Kiro of Pepe Martí, who forced Maloney into the wall. Before this contact, Maloney was already up about six positions. An early end to the weekend wasn’t ideal but day 2 would turn things around for the team.
Narrowly missing out on the duels, he took his best qualifying position of the season, starting the second race in P10. The result was great for the team. It showed that around a high-speed circuit such as Jeddah, the car is capable of competing, and vitally that Zane Maloney is still the man for the job. While comfortably P9, contact came to the rear from Martí once again, damaging his end plate. This caused Zane to lose downforce and ended up finishing P18. This was a difficult pill to swallow for the team, having such a positive turn into another negative.
“Generally, the team are doing a great job, in races where everything matters we are a bit behind but everyone is working very hard to see what we can do to make small improvements. The team are working very well together which shows in qualifying when we have the performance and maximise everything,” Maloney reflected on the teams improvements.
Progress Beneath the Results
Round 4 and 5 in Jeddah showed that there is something going right. They came home empty handed but Zane Maloney’s qualifying result indicate that they are getting there. This continuing work will hopefully lead to point finishes in the near future.
With Madrid next on the calendar, the team are excited for what’s to come. Slow but steady progress is happening, and it seems that they are finally starting to see the fruits of their labour.