Zane Maloney and Lola Yamaha ABT had an impressive performance at the Berlin E-Prix. While the team finished outside the points, the performance was motivating. After the first race, Pit Debrief spoke with Maloney in the media pen.
Maloney delivered his best qualifying at the Berlin E-Prix
Ahead of the first race, both drivers delivered a strong Qualifying that secured the team’s best result yet. The action-packed session saw Maloney achieve his best qualifying result in Formula E. The Lola driver impressed with an amazing lap that took him to the duels for the first time.
When asked by Pit Debrief whether he could tell it was a strong lap from the start or whether he found something later in the lap, Maloney responded:
“It was a very good lap in general. I think I maximised the car that I had and the team have given me a great car in qualifying this weekend. So that equals P3 in the group and through to the duels which is nice. It’s nice for the entire team to have that result to put on paper and not just see it behind the scenes. I think everyone in the team got a bit of a motivation boost after that. So looking forward to chipping away and trying to get the car even a little bit better.”
He was then asked whether there was anything specific about this track or simply the package that helped achieve the result.
“Motorsports at this level in Formula E is so tight that every small thing makes a difference. The last four qualifyings we’ve been in the top 10, so we’re just one place higher, let’s say. I’ve been P5 in the last three, I think. This time we snuck into the duels and then it looks a bit different. So, I don’t know.
“I’m happy with the way that the last four or five rounds have been going. Now, I feel in a position that I have a car that can sneak me into the duels here and there. Obviously from a driver’s aspect that gives me motivation compared to what I was feeling a year and a half ago.”
Good launch off the line and solid start to race 1
Race 1 began on a high note for Maloney. With a great launch off the line, he was quick to fight his way through the cars in front of him. By Lap 7, the Lola driver was leading a Formula E race for the first time.
Asked by Pit Debrief about his strong start and the feeling of leading the race, the 22-year-old said:
“It felt good. I think we did a very good job the first 15 laps of the race. I would say the first 15 was very good, and then we just struggled a bit in 350, in attack mode when everyone went. We’ve been struggling because we’ve been focused a bit more on 300 to be able to get in the duels. 90 per cent of the race is 300.
“So now that we’ve got in 300 in a decent window, we can start focusing on 350 and trying to get it better. Once we do that, I think the race will be transformed as well. Right now, we need to do everything perfect to score a point or two. Whereas in qualifying, we can actually be in the mix and go for it. Hopefully soon we can get both.”
The Lola team’s improvements showing at the Berlin E-Prix
Lola has been showing steady improvement over the past couple of race weekends. The hard work has led to solid qualifying performances and more to show for the drivers. Speaking about whether the strong performance was a result of continuous improvement or particular changes this weekend, Maloney reflected:
“Continuous improvement. From my side of the garage, we’ve just been chipping away that last four or five weekends. I think it’s just the work that everyone is doing. I don’t think the car is a lot better, and I don’t think I’m-, I haven’t changed overnight. It’s just every small detail matters and we’re getting the car better in small details in different areas.
“At certain points six months ago we had the potential, but it would be one out of ten laps. Now, we can at least be consistent as drivers and kind of put it together. We have a lot of motivation for the rest of the season. We’ll see where we can get, especially in qualifying. That’s what I’m focused on now and the race kind of sorts itself out when we improve in certain areas.”
The team performed well in the first race, despite not scoring points. With both drivers taking the lead of the race at one point, Maloney was fighting at the front. Teammate Di Grassi also stood out as he went from starting P19 to leading the race on Lap 11. Unfortunately for both drivers, the former finished P15 while the latter ended P17. Still, their performance stood out.
Maloney focused on Sunday’s race at the Berlin E-Prix
While Saturday started strong, the team looks forward to another chance for points in Berlin on Sunday. If the performance in Qualifying proves strong again and luck is on their side, there is a chance of points at the Berlin E-Prix, Maloney believes.
“I’m just focused on how I can get in the duels again and qualify well. I think the race is a bit of an unknown for me. Then we struggle a little bit with efficiency, a bit more derating, a bit more temperature problems than others. Those small details then make it a bit more difficult. In terms of pushing and qualifying, I think we’re in a good place.
“Then in the race if we do a small strategy difference to others and we win out from it or a safety car in the right moment, or a full course yellow, then we have opportunities. The race is a bit more of an unknown for us right now. Whereas qualifying I think is in our hands and that’s what we’re focused on delivering on tomorrow.”
Having another strong Qualifying result down would be great for the team. Similarly, if they were to get the strategy right in the second race, their momentum could continue.
Avoiding collision between Maloney and Martí
The unpredictable Berlin E-Prix came with last-lap action. In the last couple of laps before the chequered flag was waved, the margins were narrow. The wheel-to-wheel action continued as Maloney and Pepe Martí drew close again. The two racers have had similar situations earlier in the season, such as in Jeddah where the collision led to retirement.
When asked about the battle and near contact this time, Maloney explained:
“I don’t know if it was a battle. I think he missed his braking and almost smashed into the side of me. He did apologise. Obviously, it didn’t end up ruining my race because it didn’t change much, but it could have been a big crash. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen again, but he apologised. We’ve been quite close a few times this year. Too close. Hopefully, that will stop soon.“
The driver from Barbados continued to reflect on the realities of Formula E and on how to earn respect from fellow drivers.
“It’s so hard in Formula E when you’re racing when everyone’s moving under braking. it’s very difficult not to have more crashes than we do. So I think everyone’s very vigilant and it’s fun. The Formula E race is a lot of fun so I enjoy it. When we keep improving the car, then we can get our elbows out a bit more. You get more respect as well from the other teams when you start to compete at the high level. Once you do that, then you get a bit more respect, you get a bit more space on track. People don’t need to come past you straight away and everything changes a bit. We’re just focused on getting the car better and me maximising it.”
