Jean-Éric Vergne continued his robust begin to the 2021-22 ABB FIA System E World Championship season with a second-place end within the first of the 2 races on the Tempelhof Airport Avenue Circuit on Saturday, however that first win of the 12 months nonetheless eludes the two-time champion.
The DS Techeetah driver misplaced a spot off the road to Tag Heuer Porsche FE Staff’s André Lotterer, however he had the tempo to combat on the entrance of the sphere and was difficult race chief Edoardo Mortara in the direction of the tip of the race.
Sadly for Vergne, a transfer on the ROKiT Venturi Racing driver with six laps to go did not repay, and relatively than difficult for the win he was left to defend his second place towards Stoffel Vandoorne till the chequered flag.
However regardless of this, he was happy to complete second, and he knew he needed to a minimum of make an try on taking the lead towards Mortara relatively than accept a neater end.
“It was an eventful race, a variety of issues occurred,” mentioned Vergne. “We had a robust tempo at present and I’m pleased with second. Clearly, I attempted to overhaul Eduardo (Mortara) however he noticed me coming so I couldn’t overtake.
“I nonetheless needed to attempt, I used to be not simply going to take a seat behind and be pleased with second so I needed to attempt one thing. It was fairly tight with Stoffel, so first my goal was to win then I had stress from behind so I needed to be careful for Stoffel.
“However I’m pleased with second, one other podium and extra factors – hopefully we will lastly win a race this 12 months.
“The tempo of the automotive was good, it was higher within the center a part of the race than on the finish, possibly within the center half I might have gained extra time extra benefit. However its okay, we’re going to study from this race and transfer on till tomorrow.”
“This result’s arduous to elucidate” – António Félix da Costa
Staff-mate António Félix da Costa was concerned within the lead battle all through the race, however the Portuguese driver ended up down in eighth, one thing he finds arduous to elucidate.
Félix da Costa began third and attacked Alexander Sims going into flip one to try to get into second, a transfer that finally didn’t initially repay, however he discovered himself embroiled within the battle for the win and podium locations, solely to be shuffled down the pack within the closing laps.
He says he’ll come out stronger out of what he describes as ‘paddling arduous towards a robust present’, however he is aware of he has one other probability of success in Berlin on Sunday.
“We had race, the automotive is quick, we certified properly and raced properly for a lot of the race,” mentioned Félix da Costa. “This result’s arduous to elucidate.
“It feels that I’m now paddling arduous towards a robust present however I’ve been right here earlier than and I’ll come out of it stronger.”
