WATCH: Felix Rosenqvist’s title hopes dented in action-packed Mexico City E-Prix

In Association with Formula E

Felix Rosenqvist’s hopes of becoming Formula E World Champion were dealt a major blow on Saturday.

The Swede had started the Mexico City E-Prix in pole position and established a comfortable lead in the early stages of the race. However, a battery problem caused the Mahindra Racing driver’s car to suddenly slow down after 15 laps. Having dropped to last place, Rosenqvist switched to his second car but eventually retired from the race.

This could be so costly for Rosenqvist at the end of the season. @FIAFormulaE #MexicoCityEPrix pic.twitter.com/qONZvxRf9U

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 3, 2018

Tens of thousands had filled the stands of the Mexican capital’s iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, and saw Daniel Abt claim victory in an action-filled race. Rosenqvist’s misfortune allowed the Audi driver to become the first ever German race winner in Formula E’s history . A second-place finish for Britain’s Oliver Turvey – who had led for a while after Rosenqvist’s power loss – also allowed the NIO driver to secure his best ever Formula E finish.

Sebastian Buemi completed the podium, finishing ahead of Nicolas Piquet Jr in fourth and Jean-Eric Vergne in fifth. With five rounds completed, Vergne has a 12-point lead over Rosenqvist at the top of the driver’s standings. The Frenchman might have extended his lead at the top further still had he not fallen victim to Buemi’s expertly-executed FANBOOST on lap 28. This allowed the Swiss – who had recorded podium finishes in his last two outings in Marrakesh and Santiago – to move into the top three places.

Buemi using his #FANBOOST to perfection here to take 3rd. #MexicoCityEPrix pic.twitter.com/IJRu6832N2

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 3, 2018

Approaching the halfway point of the 2017/18 season, Round 6 will see the championship visit  Punta Del Este in Uruguay later this month- the final visit to South America this season. After this, Rome, Paris, Berlin and Zurich play host to the European races with the final two rounds taking place in New York City in July.