Abt and di Grassi score points at Formula E season opener 

Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler scored points with both of its cars at the Formula E curtain-raiser in Ad Diriyah (Saudi Arabia) last weekend.

Following a chaotic qualifying session, Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi fought back from 11th and 18th on the grid to finish eighth and ninth.

Preparations for the desert race had been hampered by unexpected rain on Saturday morning, which resulted in just one short free practice session taking place, instead of the two scheduled.

To top things off, this track time was interrupted by red flags. Qualifying, which is normally divided into a group phase and a Super Pole shootout of the six fastest drivers, took place in two groups immediately after free practice.

“I think all of the teams suffered very much under the conditions on this difficult race track that was new for everyone,” said Team Principal Allan McNish. “Qualifying was like a gamble and nobody was able to prepare perfectly. We have to settle for Daniel and Lucas still having finished in the points.”

The next race of the new Formula E season will be held in Morocco on Saturday 12 January 2019.