Crash, bang, wallop: drivers fume as last-minute track changes at Hong Kong Formula ePrix cause qualifying carnage
Nelson Piquet took pole position for Sunday’s race, but both last year’s series runner-up Lucas Di Grassi and Robert Frijns damage their cars
A controversial last-minute change to the track layout at the Hong Kong Formula ePrix had drivers fuming – and led to carnage on the circuit.
After the first practice session on Sunday, officials removed part of a kerb on the chicane on turn two, leading to a spate of crashes on turn three as drivers struggled to adjust having not been consulted about the change.
Nelson Piquet took pole position for Sunday’s race after qualifying was truncated to ensure cars could recharge for the 4pm race.
Last year’s series runner-up Lucas Di Grassi starts from second last on the grid after smashing his Audi ABT-Schaeffler into the wall.
Robert Frijns demolished his car on the same spot in the most spectacular wrecks of the day
“It makes our life very difficult, we practise in the morning with the kerb on the side and can’t predict what the car will do when it’s removed,” said Di Grassi.
