The first, and what first! This ePrix of Paris, despite the stormy sky over the capital, has kept all its promises. Already since the audience was waiting for you: over 15 000 people massed behind the bars (too often covered by messages Publications). Never a Formula E race championship which began last year, had experienced such an atmosphere. On the starting grid, hard to make their way between the figures including Manuel Valls (see below). The race, it was led by two games to get on the podium: the DS-100% Virgin (Vergne-Bird), the other between Bird and Buemi. In front, a man dominated the race as never: di Grassi (Abt), who won his third race of the season, which consolidates its leading overall championship. Back on a historic run.
The race: Buemi, the tireless striker
second on the grid, di Grassi, who won! the last race in Long Beach, managed to get the better of poleman Sam Bird, the first corner. Jean-Eric Vergne (3rd) also tried to overtake his teammate without success, despite a slight contact between the two cars. Behind, Loic Duval (Dragon Racing) has to abandon because of a transmission problem. The first part of the race is not busy if not exceeded Buemi before Sarrazin (for 5th place, lap 17).
Soon, it is the Virgin DS-two that stand out: Vergne and Bird are close to cling (lap 24) before the French did succeed in getting the better of teammate (27th round) with authority after the change of car. 9th Party, Sébastien Buemi (Renault) no end to align the best times. It dates back to 4th place and tries to attack Sam Bird (3rd). At length, the English will resist. “Put him the pressure, ‘says engineer Buemi. Switzerland achieves methodically, before Bird does delaminating, goes straight and leaves the third (39th round). In the aftermath, a runway exit Ma Qinghua forcing the safety car intervention. It was under the security regime that ends the race as a final parade in the streets of Paris. Di Grassi exults, offers a lap of honor and widens the gap in the championship.
Atmosphere: the grid, “the place to be”
There was a crowd on the grid within minutes of departure. Braving the stormy climate, many personalities have made closer to the cars. The automotive world is (very) well represented: Jean Todt (head of the FIA), Carlos Tavares (who runs the PSA Group), Pierre Fillon (as head of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest) or Olivier Panis (former F1 driver). Prince Albert of Monaco had also made the trip to greet the Monegasque team Venturi.
Many photographers also framed politicians. Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, Rachida Dati (Mayor of the 6th arrondissement) were accompanied by Manuel Valls, the prime minister, and Patrick Kanner, the Minister of the City, Youth and Sports. “After the visit of François Hollande in the 24 Hours of Le Mans this leftist government is ultimately very pro-automobile”, some amused onlookers
Practice and qualifying. “Crowing” and Ricochet!
the cold is tenacious in the early morning while the drivers linked together two free practice sessions and qualifying. Especially, the track – even closer than in Monaco – leaves little room for improvisation. If Vergne (DS-Virgin, 3rd qualifying) manages to find the right move in the final corner, others are less fortunate. Several pilots have, in fact, shot straight on the circuit, losing their trajectory. Chinese Ma (which starts in Formula E) rose almost breaks into a turn. Nick Heidfeld, he lost control of his Mahindra and crashed into a wall, then the car of Mike Conway (Venturi), without much damage. In terms of lap, Sam Bird (DS-Virgin) took pole position ahead of championship leader (di Grassi) and three French (Vergne, Sarrazin and Prost).
The suite : the playground for Europe
“Paris, it’s a new beginning,” explained Alain Prost Friday. Indeed, Formula E drivers began the second part of the season when there are only four races and therefore hundred points to be awarded. Berlin direction to the next round on 31 May. As the race took place at Tempelhof Airport last year, the course of this season will be at the heart of the capital around Alexanderplatz. Then the paddock will move to Moscow, near Red Square (June 4), before the last two rounds in London (the 2nd and 3rd July). Note that the season will resume in Hong Kong next year, a first. Among the rumors of new places, New York held the rope, as said Jean Todt to Point.fr, while the Belgian media suggest the possibility of a ePrix in Brussels.
No comments:
Post a Comment