Di Grassi: I'd rather lose Formula E title than use team orders

Di Grassi's championship lead over Sebastien Buemi was slashed from 11 points to one after his rival took victory and the Brazilian finished third.

But di Grassi would hold a four-point lead had Abt adhered to the Abt Audi Sport team's instruction two laps from the end to let his team-mate through.

Abt appeared to move to the side and gesticulate as they began the final lap, but did not slow substantially.

Di Grassi did not make a move and no further opportunities followed.

"In a way if, because of these three points, I lose the championship, I prefer to lose it this way than having the team order done," di Grassi told Autosport.

"If I win now, it's me against Sebastien. May the best win.

"If it's not the last race and there aren't specific reasons there should not be team orders.

"I wouldn't feel right if I had taken the place from Daniel because he deserved it."

Di Grassi had come through from eighth to third and had more energy to spare than his rivals, but his charge was interrupted by the late safety car for Loic Duval's crash.

Di Grassi stressed he had no intention of asking the team to move Abt aside.

"I made it clear in the team strategy meeting I did not want team orders," he said.

"We agreed not to fight each other, so the quicker one let the other by, but the last two laps I was not quicker.

"We were both doing flat-out laps and there was not the opportunity.

"The risk was too much to gain for three points to attack him.

"Without the safety car I would have probably overtaken Daniel because I had more energy, but it was a great result to be third."

Abt said he was wary of ceding a place to the chasing Nicolas Prost, who was a second behind di Grassi in fourth.

"It does not matter for me whether I'm second or third," said Abt.

"OK second is my best result, but we are a team and the goal is to win the teams' and drivers' championships.

"It was always clear, if Lucas is behind me then I get that call - and they sent me this message.

"I wanted to let him past with two laps to go, I slowed down and waved but he was a bit far and I think he was not really sure if he could do it.

"The lap after I was not keen to do it because Prost was not far away and imagine me losing a podium at the last corner - that would have been even more ridiculous.

"Lucas has what he needs to win it by himself. He's an amazing racing driver."