Rowland “would have discovered it arduous to win” Mexico Metropolis E-Prix with out late security automotive

Oliver Rowland believes he “would have discovered it arduous to win” the Mexico Metropolis E-Prix have been it not for a late security automotive adopted by passing three automobiles in a single lap for the lead.

The Nissan driver took his first Method E victory of the season and his first on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit on Saturday, regardless of solely main the ultimate six laps in a race dominated by Porsche drivers Antonio Felix da Costa and Pascal Wehrlein.

The Briton was solely fourth and a number of other seconds behind da Costa and Wehrlein when he activated his ultimate six minutes of Assault Mode simply moments earlier than a security automotive was referred to as for David Beckmann’s stranded Cupra Kiro.

A fast restoration meant Rowland nonetheless had simply over a minute accessible when racing resumed with six laps remaining, and with these forward having already used each Assault Modes, he dispatched Andretti’s Jake Dennis, Wehrlein and da Costa inside a lap to take an surprising victory.

“I believe by way of the security automotive there was a component of luck however I additionally misplaced almost six minutes of Assault Mode,” stated Rowland.

“However I do actually assume I might have discovered it arduous to win with out that security automotive as a result of I used to be struggling somewhat bit to be environment friendly after kind of 10 laps.

“We have been there within the race to choose up the items with somewhat little bit of luck.”

Podium: Race winner Oliver Rowland, Nissan Method E Workforce, second place Antonio Felix da Costa, TAG Heuer Porsche Method E Workforce, third place Pascal Wehrlein, TAG Heuer Porsche Method E Workforce

Picture by: Andreas Beil

When requested what would have been attainable if the primary of two security automobiles had not occurred, Rowland admitted {that a} podium was most likely the utmost.

“I believe it is arduous to say. I haven’t got the precise numbers on power,” he added.

“I believe I might have gotten again to them [the top three], however I believe had I handed them [with Attack mode] I might have consumed an excessive amount of and struggled to take care of the lead is my intestine feeling.

“I believe my technique at that time would have most likely been to get to those guys after which consolidate a podium however then after I received the prospect to go for it, I simply went for it.”

Porsche locked out the entrance row for the primary time in its Method E historical past in Mexico, as reigning champion Wehrlein headed da Costa within the opening levels.

The pair led 26 of the 36 laps between themselves, with da Costa main Wehrlein approaching lap 28 and the pivotal security automotive interval.

On the restart, the Portuguese driver defended from Rowland into the Flip 9/10 chicane and moved over to cowl the within into Flip 12 however was unable to stop Rowland shifting forward with all-wheel-drive.

Antonio Felix da Costa TAG Heuer Porsche Method E Workforce Porsche 99X Electrical Gen3

Picture by: Alastair Staley / Motorsport Photos

“Oliver was very decisive. I defended arduous and I believe there wasn’t a lot house left and it is at all times good to race him when it is arduous and honest like that,” stated da Costa, who leads the championship standings for the primary time since his title-winning marketing campaign in 2019-20.

“I assumed we had a 1-2 at present for the staff after which that security automotive, I nonetheless have to return and have a look at it.

“Possibly Oliver would have had sufficient to come back again to the entrance or not, I suppose we’ll by no means know, nevertheless it ruined our get together somewhat bit.”