DRIVERS PROMPT ATTACK MODE CHANGE

The attack mode activation zone for the ABB FIA Formula E Ad Diriyah E-prix was moved from its initial location prior to the race after it was criticised by the championship’s drivers.

Several drivers, including reigning champion Jean-eric Vergne, complained about the placement of the zone, which was originally situated at the exit of Turn 17 at the season-opening circuit, and fed onto the track’s main straight.

The zone was moved 23 metres closer to the start line, and the painted white lines that signal the start and end points of the zone were also “increased in size for better visibility”, according to an FIA bulletin after qualifying.

“After discussion in the driver briefing, the attack zone has been relocated appropriately 23 metres closer to the start line from the original location,” read the bulletin.

“Effectively, the original ‘exit line’ of the zone is now the ‘entry line’.”

When asked about the changes, Vergne told MN that “it’s a bit better”.

“It’s good that they responded, the only thing that I hope is that in the future they tell us what they want exactly, like if we [are supposed to] lose one second, two seconds,” the DS Techeetah driver continued.

“We have the simulator, we know what is dangerous or not, and obviously this place was not right. [But] they all realised it.

“I’m happy they changed it, but in the future I hope they can contact us and check with the drivers first.”

Vergne and Techeetah team-mate Andre Lotterer were also handed drivethrough penalties during the race having passed long-time leader and eventual winner, Antonio Felix da Costa.

The offence related to a software infringement which resulted in power regeneration exceeding the level defined within the FIA suppliers’ implementation guide.