BMW i Andretti Motorsport leads on final Valencia testing day

An intense week draws to a successful close. As on Tuesday and Wednesday, the fastest time on the third, and final, day of testing in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship went to a BMW i Andretti Motorsport driver. Alexander Sims (GBR), at the wheel of the #27 BMW iFE.18, was the fastest of all drivers at Valencia (ESP) on Friday, setting a time of 1:17.402 minutes. His team-mate António Félix da Costa (POR) remained the fastest driver of the test after setting a time of 1:16.977 on Wednesday. Over the course of the three test days at “Circuit Ricardo Tormo”, the BMW i Andretti Motorsport duo completed a total of 435 laps.

Reactions to the test in Valencia.

Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):

“The Formula E test at Valencia was a very important opportunity for all the teams to take stock as they prepare for the start of the season in mid-December – and I am very happy with the way we presented ourselves with the BMW iFE.18 and the BMW i Andretti Motorsport Team. Good speed, a high degree of reliability and efficient processes in the team gives us a very good basis on which to build. The new BMW i drivetrain, ReD01, ran like clockwork on all three test days. Our two drivers, Alexander Sims and António Félix da Costa, made a good impression. We know that Spain did not necessarily reveal the full balance of power within the field for Season Five, however in motor racing it is always nice to head to the season-opener on the back of good results at the dress rehearsal.”

Roger Griffiths (Team Principal, BMW i Andretti Motorsport):

“Throughout the days here, we worked through a pre-conceived test programme, we weren’t chasing lap times, but we found we were able to produce a lap time when it was necessary. The cars have behaved remarkably well, with the exception of one minor off-track incident we’ve had virtually no issues at all. Both drivers have really worked well together, they have progressively improved their performance and understanding of the new car. In particular, Alexander has come to the team as a relative rookie and has really demonstrated his talent level. There’s still a lot of work to do to prepare for Riyadh. We have to go back and look at all the data, understand what we did and then get ready to go for race one. Hopefully we can continue the success we’ve had here in Valencia in the championship season.”

Alexander Sims (BMW i Andretti Motorsport, #27 BMW iFE.18):

“All in all it was a really positive pre-season test at Valencia for BMW i Andretti Motorsport. I was a bit hesitant of how to judge things after the first session on Tuesday but we have gone through all the different conditions, particularly with the rain today and a fairly green track this afternoon. Obviously, the track itself is still unrepresentative but nevertheless we have been competitive in all conditions.”

António Félix da Costa (BMW i Andretti Motorsport, #28 BMW iFE.18):

“I think generally we are very happy. Although this track is not at all representative of the tracks we will see in the Formula E season, it is still positive to be competitive. I think it’s a good morale boost for everyone at BMW i Andretti Motorsport. There is a lot of work to be done before the first race. I’m going home very excited and looking forward to the first event.”