Di Grassi: Mexico City altitude to make WEC “even more interesting”

The Circuit Hermanos Rodriguez has an elevation of 2,285-metres (7,500-feet) and the thinner atmosphere could change the competitive dynamics, due to WEC’s combination of turbocharged and normally-aspirated engines – as well as the aerodynamic variants available to the factory LMP1 teams.

“I think the WEC grid will look very spectacular in Mexico City,” said di Grassi. “The long straight will be very interesting in terms of overall speed but, of course, also how the engines and the systems will be affected by the high altitude.

“I think the close racing will be even more interesting in the WEC because the straight is so long but, a little bit like Fuji in some ways, there will be a compromise as there are some tight sections that make up the circuit.”

Potential for GT shake-up too

As well as the potential for a shake-up of the prototype machinery, perhaps even more of a reshuffle could occur in the GTE ranks around the 4.304-mile track due to the Balance of Performance regulations.

AF Corse Ferrari GT star Sam Bird added: “The atmospheric pressure will certainly be a key aspect next month when we go to Mexico City.

“We obviously have a combination of turbo and normally-aspirated cars in the LMGTE Pro class so it will be intriguing to see how that affects the cars.

“Other than that, there is so much to look forward to. When I was there in March [to race in Formula E] it was quickly evident that the Mexican people love racing and they are not shy in letting people know about it. There will be a great atmosphere and plenty of colour.”