Berlin Formula E: Abt blames repairs for di Grassi exclusion

The Audi Sport Abt team has blamed repair work for the front-wing infringements that led to Lucas di Grassi being stripped of victory in Saturday's Berlin Templhof Formula E race.

The Brazilian dominated the race, but was excluded two hours after the finish for a series of irregularities related to the front wing, which included internal modifications.

Team boss Hans-Jurgen Abt said the lack of time to effect precise repairs as being behind what were deemed by stewards to be illegal modifications to a spec part.

"After making necessary repairs, some of the parts were no longer in their original form as specific by the regulations," said Abt.

"In Formula E, the cars and all spare parts are transported around the world in boxes.

"The team doesn't have the time or opportunity at the various tracks to carry out repairs with the same precision as at home in our workshop.

"This is a situation that affects all the teams and we must find a mutual solution in the future."

The team waived its right to appeal, although AUTOSPORT understands it came close to doing so.

A team statement said that this decision was made "so as not to influence the remaining races".

Abt added: "We are very disappointed that Lucas's fantastic performance in Berlin now goes unrewarded.

"But as fair sportsmen, we accept the decision.

"In the remaining three races, we must work even harder to bring Lucas back into the title battle."

As a result of the disqualification, di Grassi has lost his Formula E points lead and slips to third behind new leader Nelson Piquet Jr and Sebastien Buemi.