• The opener of Formula E 2023 in Mexico City was challenging for CUPRA, with Nico Müller managing a 14th place finish

•CUPRA driver Robin Frijns retired right at the start of the race after a collision which resulted in the Dutchman suffering a fracture to his hand

The ABT CUPRA team had a tough start to the Formula E season in Mexico City. While the result on the track was modest from the team's point of view, the unique backdrop including its enthusiastic fans, gives ABT CUPRA optimism for the rest of the season.

In all the practice sessions, it was obvious to the team led by Robin Frijns and Nico Müller that the tight testing schedule, and short preparation for the comeback, would require a catch-up.

Team Principal, Thomas Biermaier, said, 'From a sporting point of view, it was the expected difficult start to the season in a championship that we know well, but which is starting under completely different circumstances this year.'

In qualifying, Müller and Frijns finished 18th and 19th, then Müller made up four places in the race. 'The entire team and I also learned an enormous amount this weekend – we'll take that as a positive takeaway,' commented Nico Müller after his 14th place finish.

'When we get home, it's on to data analysis and then into the simulator, because fortunately the next race is only two weeks away.'

The second stop on the Formula E calendar is Diriyah in Saudi Arabia, where two races will be held on 27th and 28th January. With the unique audience and faultless organisation, Mexico was the perfect place for the season opener. The ABT CUPRA team is taking a lot of knowledge, data, and experience and with all this information it will take the next step in Diriyah.

Wayne Griffiths, CEO of CUPRA, commented, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Today the ABT CUPRA Team had its first Formula E race in Mexico City. We still have a long way to go, but today we did our first step. I want to congratulate Nico and Robin. I wish Robin a good recovery and a quick come back to see him soon on the racetrack'.

'The energy of the crowd at the racetrack was amazing. Full of young people having fun with this disruptive racing format. This is the future of motorsport'.

CUPRA experienced a dynamic Formula E debut in Mexico City. The brand activated its partnership with ABT with more than 100 guests in its own lounge, welcomed international journalists from around the world, and the UrbanRebel Racing concept was present in the Fan Village along with eye-catching branding on the track. Four members of the board, including CEO Wayne Griffiths, followed the Mexico City E-Prix 2023 on site.