Fully pumped up. Like the rest of the team, after encouraging simulator sessions, Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne arrived at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City with firm intentions. "We've worked tirelessly and we have every reason to believe in ourselves," commented Stoffel Vandoorne before the race. "Of course, we know that our rivals have made progress too, but we've learnt an enormous amount in our first year with Gen3. We feel that the team is determined and stronger, and that gives us a positive start to the championship."
This weekend, apart from the fact that it was the first race of the season, there were a few key elements to take into consideration. First of all, the geographical location of the circuit: situated at an altitude of 2,200 metres, Mexico City's air composition is a little poorer in oxygen. This dries out the body, can lead to headaches, and affects the cooling quality of the cars. It's also a place where temperatures vary greatly. "Between practice at 7:30 in the morning and the race in the afternoon, there can be a very big difference in temperature," continues Vandoorne. "The track changes a lot and you have to qualify as well as possible to give yourself a chance of finishing well placed."
