maladies in Cape Town

Mahindra, and its partner, ABT Motorsport team, were forced to withdraw from the fifth round of the FIA Formula E Championship in Cape Town, South Africa, after a rear suspension problem manifested itself following the second free practice session.

The cars had shown promise during early running during the weekend but Mahindra then established there was a problem, thought to be flexing, in the rear suspension.

‘Mahindra Formula E team have confirmed their withdrawal from the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship qualifying sessions and race in Cape Town due to rear suspension safety concerns,’ read a team statement issued at the event. ‘A thorough investigation on the suspension elements of the Mahindra M9Electro racecars will take place on the team’s return to the UK. The decision also affects their customer team, ABT Motosport. The safety of our drivers and extended teams is of the utmost importance.’

The rear suspension is one of the few free areas of design within the new Gen 3 cars and so was the responsibility of Mahindra’s design team. However, according to some unconfirmed reports, it was an externally supplied part that failed on the bumpy street course.

The decision to withdraw the teams from the race meant the entry was depleted by four cars on the series’ debut at the South African circuit.