Robin Frijns is set to make his return to the Formula E championship with ABT Cupra this weekend for the São Paulo E-Prix.
Frijns suffered complex fractures to his left hand after a collision with Nissan driver Norman Nato in the Formula E season opener in Mexico City.
Reserve driver Kelvin Van Der Linde filled the seat at ABT Cupra during Frijns recovery, making his debut in the series and racing at Diriyah, Hyderabad, and Cape Town.
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Robin was declared fit to race in the Sebring 1000 miles last weekend ahead of his return to Formula E. He was seen by a medical delegate from the FIA last week and was ordered to undergo a successful simulator session to return to the #4 ABT Cupra car due to the lack of power steering in Formula E cars.
“It feels insanely good to be preparing for a race again with Nico and the whole team – it’s so good to be back. The past two months have felt like an eternity”
“Many thanks to the team, the FIA, all the doctors and physios, and the whole Formula E paddock, who have been patient with me despite me being so impatient.”
During the World Endurance Championship event at Sebring, Frijns completed several stints in the #51 WRT LMP2 car. The team would finish 7th in their class as the flag dropped.
“It felt a bit weird in the beginning when I jumped in for the first time.”
“You’re kind of scared to damage your hand again, but during driving it’s getting more supple and looser so it was getting easier and easier.”
Van Der Linde will be on standby in São Paulo, ready to jump into the cockpit in the event that Frijns is not comfortable upon his return to the all-electric racing series.
Robin’s injury left him needing lengthy surgery to insert metal rods into his left hand and wrist. He spent six nights in a Mexican hospital and has been focusing on his rehabilitation ever since, describing it as “pretty tough”.
“I’ve been doing physio pretty much every day… It was very difficult to do at the beginning but now it’s obviously easy.”
“My hand feels good, racing in Sebring went smoothly. I’m fit for São Paulo. I was in contact with the team the whole time, was involved in everything and am up to date with all the procedures – the race weekend can start.”
The ABT Cupra team have struggled on their return to the championship, they are the only team yet to score a point.
Along with Mahindra, the ABT Cupra cars were forced to withdraw from the Cape Town E-Prix due to concerns about the rear suspension. All cars from both teams did not take part in the race.
Image Courtesy of: Formula E, Robin Frijns (NLD), Envision Racing, Sam Bloxham
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