After an eventful race, it was the DS E-TENSE FE19 of Formula E champion Jean-Éric Vergne that crossed the finish line in second place after a near double-podium for him and team-mate, André Lotterer.
The two DS TECHEETAH drivers lined up in 5th and 7th on the grid. They managed to climb through the ranks to run first and second before a technical infringement caused a drive-through penalty for the pair. Coming out behind the front pack after taking the penalty, the two drivers were on the hunt for the podium. Vergne managed to claim second with Lotterer just behind in 5th whilst also scoring the Fastest Lap to gain additional valuable points at the ABB FIA Formula E Championship’s first round on the 2018/2019 Season.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to the whole team for this race but also for the lead up to this moment. It was just a taster of what is to come from DS TECHEETAH. The course was so much fun to drive, it was like walking on a cloud out there. I’m very pleased that the FIA and Formula E took our feedback around ATTACK MODE on board after the Drivers’ Briefing as it made a very good race,” said Vergne.
“I’m very proud to be part of a championship that keeps innovating and re-inventing itself like this. We put on a great show and as we aim for more podiums and our first win of the season, I’m confident that we will continue to deliver some very exciting racing for the rest of the championship. We’re going to absorb all the lessons, continue in this spirit and come back for more.”
How to start the @FIAFormulaE season ? pic.twitter.com/xpAow57lvg
— DS TECHEETAH (@DSTECHEETAH) December 15, 2018
Vergne pleased FIA and Formula E took drivers’ feedback around ATTACK MODE
“We had some issues, but we should be happy about the pace we had. We were really putting the car through its paces and it responded so well. It’s, of course, frustrating to have the issues that we had as I lost out on a potential win, or at least a one-two or a double-podium as we had the pace for it, but we gained some valuable points and that’s what matters the most in this championship. I have mixed feelings but now we’re looking to the next race and it will be good to flex our muscles in Marrakesh,” added Lotterer.
“That was a huge achievement for the whole team. What a way to start the season! The championship has definitely taken another step forward and we’re racing on a whole new level now. Jean-Éric and André were flying out there and it was really exciting to see that all the hard work that the team has put into the package delivered on track. Congratulations to BMW for their first win, and welcome to Formula E,” said Team Principal Mark Preston.
