Jose Maria Lopez, as the only Argentinian in the FIA Formula E Championship, approaches the upcoming Buenos Aires ePrix spurred on by knowing that he will have the local crowd firmly behind him. The other DS Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird has form at this track. He won a thrilling contest in Argentina last season. Now Bird enters the race in season three, whilst taking second place in the previous race in Marrakesh.
After a break in the calendar punctuated by the virtual eRace in Las Vegas in early January, the DS Virgin Racing drivers return to action in a country holding a special connection for each.
Jose Maria Lopez is a firm local favourite ahead of race day.
“I’m getting a lot of media asking me how I’ll perform in Argentina, it being my home country. Well, I have the team, and I have the car. So I think I have as good a chance as anyone out there on race day. I’m just excited to go out and race in front of my fans!”, he said.
As part of his homecoming, Lopez will be taking part in a street parade between el Teatro Colon and the Legislatura de la Ciudad on the Wednesday ahead of the race.
During a press day at Virgin Group’s London HQ, Sam Bird said:
“It’s a great race for drivers and better still, a great day out for spectators. After my win there last season, I will try and repeat the feat.”
DS Virgin Racing really are fully charged ahead of Buenos Aires ePrix
The Buenos Aires track itself is a unique proposition. Now in its third year with Formula E, it’s the fastest track in the series – with speeds of up to 210km/h achievable into turn one. Bird used this to his advantage last year, clocking a time of 1.09.43 in qualifying that won him pole position. Offering a full five straights along its 2.48km, 12 turn, counter-clockwise layout, it’s a track that represents the best of Formula E. There’s a winning combination of a city centre location, short track length and plenty of overtaking opportunities. DS Virgin Racing’s Testing & Development driver Alex Lynn joins the team in Buenos Aires, lending additional expertise to the garage. Lynn joined Lopez and Bird in DS Performance’s simulator in Satory recently. There the trio underwent an intense period of sim testing to prepare for Buenos Aires.
“DS Virgin Racing really are fully charged ahead of Buenos Aires,” said Team Principal Alex Tai. “In Marrakesh Sam podiumed, in a car our fantastic mechanics had rebuilt literally minutes before the race commenced. Sam is one of the best and most experienced drivers in Formula E. Our newcomer Lopez offers enormous potential. I look forward to seeing him demonstrate his capabilities in front of his home crowd.”
