The venue is the Anhembi Sambadrome, where usually more than 100,000 people watch the famous carnival parade. The Formula E circuit is 2.933 kilometres long and the start-finish straight runs through the huge grandstands of the carnival street. The 31-lap race starts at 14:00 local time (18:00 CET)
Thomas Biermaier ,ABT CEO and Team Principal: “The fans will push the team”
“We have two home races this season – now in Lucas’ hometown of São Paulo and then for our team in Berlin at the beginning of May. The whole team has taken a deep breath after the first two events, prepared intensively and is now looking forward to the days in his home country together with our Brazilian. The fans are sure to spur us on with their enthusiasm and the track layout promises plenty of position battles – perfect conditions for an exciting day of racing.”
Nico Müller, #51: “Enthusiasm is just outstanding”
“Compared to Lucas, I think I’ll probably have a quieter weekend away from the cockpit – the enthusiasm of the Brazilians for motorsport and their fellow countrymen is simply outstanding. From a sporting point of view, we can expect a varied circuit with fast corners, 90-degree turns and long straights. There were more than 100 overtaking manoeuvres last year and I’m sure the fans can look forward to plenty of action again.”
Interview with Lucas di Grassi, #11
You have been working towards a race in São Paulo for many years. How did it finally become a reality for 2023?
“We have actually been working on this race for ten years – Rio was the first circuit that Formula E ever announced and that I designed back then. Then, for various reasons, it never worked out until last year when everything finally fell into place. And the good thing is that it’s a long-term deal with São Paulo, so Formula E will be racing in this fantastic city for a long time to come.”
What does racing in your home city mean to you?
“A lot. Even though I’ve lived mainly in Monaco for 13 years now and have raced there in many categories, São Paulo is very special: my friends live here, my family lives here. To do what I love most in front of my compatriots is a very special, emotional moment.”
Tell us about the special location and challenges of the São Paulo circuit.
“The venue is unique: where our start-finish straight is, that’s where the colorful floats go during Carnival. The straight is more than 700 meters long and we reach a speed of around 270 km/h there. On the back straight, behind the carnival area, the track has a different surface, changing from concrete to normal tarmac. There are also several 90 degree turns. It may not be the most difficult track, but it guarantees great racing with overtaking manoeuvres.”
What can people expect from Formula E’s appearance in São Paulo?
“Brazilians are motorsport enthusiasts and will make the event a real highlight of the calendar. We are expecting 30,000 to 40,000 spectators who, after last year’s inaugural event, are looking forward to a great day at the track.”
Did you know that …
... the Zero Summit, initiated by Lucas di Grassi, will be held again in São Paulo on the Wednesday before the race?
... the Brazilian will be competing against his son Leo in a kart for pre-race filming?
... Lucas di Grassi spent a few days skiing in Aspen with his family after the weekend in Diriyah?
... Nico Müller was on the grid for the season opener of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)?
... the Swiss shares the cockpit with two-time Formula E champion Jean-Éric Vergne in the WEC?
... the team experienced a real nightmare when their car retired on the final lap after ten hours while running in second place?
... ABT CEO and Team Principal Thomas Biermaier will not be in São Paulo after undergoing knee surgery?
... ABT Motorsport Director Martin Tomczyk will travel to Brazil instead?
... with more than twelve million inhabitants, São Paulo is one of the most populous cities in the world?
... motorsport is the second most popular sport in Brazil?
... the 750-meter straight through the Anhembi Sambadrome is the longest on the calendar?
... the next six Formula E events will be held every two weeks until a short break in June?