Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA

Audi decides against Abt Hong Kong exclusion appeal

The Audi Sport Abt Formula E team has decided not to appeal Daniel Abt’s disqualification from victory in Sunday’s Hong Kong race.

 Race winner Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler celebrates victory

Race winner Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler celebrates victory

Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images

 Podium: race winner Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler
 Podium: race winner Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, second place Felix Rosenqvist, Mahindra Racing, third place Edoardo Mortara, Venturi Formula E
 Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler
 Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler
Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler

A post-race inspection revealed the barcodes on the inverters and motors did not correspond with those declared on the technical passport for one of Abt's Audi e-tron FE04s.

Audi had initially notified the FIA of its intent to appeal the decision that cost Abt and the works team its first win in the electric single-seater series.

However, it has now decided not to proceed with that appeal.

“We took the time to carefully review all documents and processes,” said team principal Allan McNish.

“We gained no advantage as a result of the administrative error and all parts fully complied to homologation and the technical regulations at all times.

“Still, we accept the decision of the FIA and fully back the technical passport regulations.

“Our team made a small mistake with big consequences that we own up to, unfortunately that deprived Daniel of his very deserved victory of which we can only apologise for.

“I am sure we will see him on the podium again soon.”

Audi’s decision not to appeal means Felix Rosenqvist’s inherited victory is no longer under threat, nor is Jaguar’s first podium in the series after Mitch Evans was promoted to third.

It also means Sam Bird will definitely end 2017 as the leader of the championship, with 35 points to Jean-Eric Vergne’s 33.

Abt remains 11th in the points after his fifth-place finish and fastest lap in Saturday’s race, while the Audi team is just sixth in the teams’ championship after reigning champion Lucas di Grassi failed to score in either race.

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Mahindra takes Formula E points lead with Hong Kong win
Next article Mortara explains "stupid mistake" that cost him debut win

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA