First Points of Season in NIO's Sights as Formula E Heads to Morocco

Morocco’s Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan will host the hotly anticipated second round of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship a few days from now, where NIO is determined to get 2019 off to the best start possible.

Almost one month on from the first e-Prix of Season 5 in Saudi Arabia, the championship will visit its second continent in as many events with the streets of Marrakesh ready to welcome the all-electric series for the third consecutive year.

NIO drivers Oliver Turvey and Tom Dillmann go into the 45-minute plus one lap Marrakesh race aiming to build on their respective 13th and 14th place finishes from the season-opening Ad Diriyah e-Prix in December.

Despite having to begin the Saudi Arabia encounter from the back of the 22-car grid following a problematic qualifying session for both NIO drivers, Englishman Turvey and French team-mate Dillmann each performed well to make up positions and complete the race.

With both competitors and, of course, the team aiming to challenge for the points-paying top 10 in North Africa next weekend, NIO is relishing the challenge posed by the 12-turn Marrakesh street circuit.

Oliver Turvey, Race Driver, NIO Formula E Team:

“I am looking forward to racing in Marrakesh after having a strong race their last year. The track is fast, flowing, with a number of overtaking opportunities so I will be aiming for a points scoring result for NIO.”

Tom Dillmann, Race Driver, NIO Formula E Team:

“Marrakesh is one of the "traditional" Formula E races now but it is one of the few tracks that I will need to learn this season as I have not raced on the track before. I look forward to really getting our season underway after a very challenging start in Riyadh.”

Gérry Hughes, Team Principal, NIO Formula E Team:

“Marrakesh is a track where we have exhibited good pace previously, so I sincerely hope that this year is no different. We will be looking to turn around our misfortunes from Saudi Arabia and make sure the drivers start from the sharp end of the grid for the race on Saturday, thereby giving them a signicantly higher chance of a double-points finish for the team.”

Coverage of the second e-Prix of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship season on Saturday, 12th January, will be shown live on the BBC Sport website, the BBC iPlayer, mobile app and through the BBC ‘Red Button’ service. Visit the official championship ‘You Tube’ channel for a wealth of features, highlights and catch-up coverage.

Rd2 Schedule, Saturday, 12th January: Marrakesh e-Prix (all times local)
08.00 – Free Practice 1
10.15 – Free Practice 2
12.00 – Qualifying Group 1
12.10 – Qualifying Group 2
12.20 – Qualifying Group 3
12.30 – Qualifying Group 4
12.45 – Superpole (Top 6)
16.04 – Race (45mins +1 lap)

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