Venturi & DRAGON Racing
After an incredible end to the first season, Dragon had a solid start to season two with Loic Duval and Jerome D’Ambrosio finishing fourth and fifth. Disappointed not to be on the podium but proof they have the pace to compete amongst the top teams again.
Dragon is the first customer team, purchasing their powertrain from Venturi, and it beat its immediate competition, with Venturi’s Stephane Sarrazin finishing in ninth. In terms of the hardware, the Venturi and Dragon car is exactly the same, but the software and strategy is different. They displayed solid energy management and according to Jay Penske, the team didn’t undergo many changes, keeping the core personnel the same. Plus there is a lot to be said for the healthy but very close competition between Duval and D’Ambrosio.
Mahindra Racing
Behind the Mahindra Racing team are some strong credentials. They are owned by Mahindra, a $10 billion automotive manufacturer in India and also Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles who supply EVs in 26 different countries. Its works team is Campos Racing (the team behind the championship-winning car at NEXTEV TCR) so it should be a strong outfit.
With a four-gear solution provided by Hewland and motor from McLaren (very similar to the season one powertrain) and plenty of hard work over the summer spent developing its software, Mahindra has finally delivered. After a great performance from Nick Heidfeld, Beijing delivered their first podium finish. The hardware is an evolution of the season one car, however, the key for Mahindra seems to have been the investment in their software with partner McLaren.
After plenty of hard work over the summer spent developing its software, Mahindra has finally delivered.
Images: Richard Washbrooke Photography