Bethonie WaringEnvision team boss Sylvain Filippi believes it was wrong to penalise New York race winner Nick Cassidy for parts changes ahead of the second New York E-Prix.
Cassidy was one of a number of drivers caught out by the wet weather at the end of the first of two races on the streets of Brooklyn. After aquaplaning off, he was then hit by Lucas Di Grassi and Stoffel Vandoorne, who had also lost control of their cars.
The Envision team worked hard overnight to rebuild the car, and were forced to change the radiator and battery on Cassidy’s car.
The change was not permitted by regulations, which state cars only permitted one battery pack for the entire season.
Cassidy qualified on pole, but was then handed a 30 place grid penalty for the part changes. As he couldn’t complete the full 30 place penalty, he then received a drive through penalty during the race, knocking him out of points contention.
Envision team boss Filippi said he was “proud” of the team for their hard work, but doesn’t believe the penalty was fair as Cassidy wasn’t at fault for the accident that required the battery change.
“So proud of the team for building a new car for Nick Cassidy overnight and for being so competitive again today,” he said on social media. “Nick secured another pole position today and I am very frustrated about the penalty he received for changing the battery and radiator.
“These parts were damaged by other cars ploughing into his, when Nick was already off track because of the torrential downpour that took the leading group by surprise.
“I don’t think it’s right to be penalised when you’re not responsible for the situation in the first place.
“I feel very sorry for Nick today, who once again showed incredible pace but his race was stolen from him.
“Onwards and upwards, we have the London E-Prix to look forward to in two weeks’ time. Thanks everyone for all the amazing support this weekend!.”
After a strong weekend, Envision lie fifth in the teams’ championship, 35 points behind Jaguar.
