Friday in Paris: the ePrix awakens
Discover the main reactions of the protagonists of the second ePrix de Paris, gleaned from this day of preparation.
Lucas di Grassi focused primarily on himself.
The Brazilian is not the type to dwell on details. Proof of this, if any were needed, was during the pre-race press conference held this afternoon at the Hôtel des Invalides.
Asked about Buemi’s (almost certain) absence during the New York event in mid-July, the Abt Schaeffler team driver was not very empathetic: « To be honest, it doesn’t concern me! Sébastien has his priorities, his schedule. I am primarily focused on myself. I just try to follow my own strategy, beyond the luck or misfortune I may have in my races! »
Stuck behind his rival during the previous race, without being able to use his Fan-Boost, Di Grassi is counting on the Paris ePrix, which had smiled on him thirteen months ago: « Last year’s race was incredible for me. The track is fantastic, very technical. There are overtaking opportunities. But the cars are completely different this year, it will be a new story! »
On his side, Sébastien Buemi, who was not present at this conference, confirmed to journalists of the Swiss press the information mentioned above. His priority clearly being his contract with Toyota in Endurance, the conflict is inevitable between the 6 Hours of Nürburgring and the American event: « It’s not ideal for the Formula E title, but one must deal with it… It’s up to me to score the maximum points beforehand. » he admitted to the Tribune de Genève.
In the immediate future, the championship leader has expressed his eagerness to get back in his Renault e.dams, just five days after his success in Monaco: « I’m arriving in Paris more motivated than ever! As a French team, it’s the most important race of the year. I’ll do my best to continue our good form. »
Bring it on Paris 🇫🇷 #ParisePrix @Sebastien_buemi @Richard_Mille @HP @LEMOConnectors @8Js_Official pic.twitter.com/ESiDXqsqlT
— RENAULT e.dams (@RENAULTedams) 19 mai 2017
What are the ambitions for the French forces?
The workforce does not vary an inch compared to 2016. Two French teams and four drivers will attempt to make the Marseillaise resound at the end of the laps. Disappointed after a mistake in Qualifying and a meager ninth place in Monaco, Nico Prost wants his revenge: « I was very disappointed with my result. We have the ability to do better, the car is fast and my feeling is very good. »
With three podium finishes secured during the first races, Buemi’s teammate hopes to finally take the next step, in a highly symbolic setting: « Obviously, we always want to do well at home, in front of our fans. My only goal for this weekend is to finish on the podium! Renault is a leading manufacturer in terms of electric cars. We must also be the leaders on the track! »
A strong outsider, Jean-Eric Vergne has confirmed his good shape, after his collision with Nelson Piquet: « I spent the night from Saturday to Sunday with my hand in a bucket of ice. But I quickly got back in shape. The Monaco race is now behind me, I have no regrets. I’m not the kind of driver who stays behind when I’m faster! It was even the first time in a long while that I got into a scuffle while trying to overtake!
Brilliant second with DS Virgin in 2016, will JEV repeat such a performance on his new ride? A clue seems to reassure him: « Last year, Renault was quite in shape on this circuit. We now have the same power unit this year. We will see how it goes! »
The DS Virgin Racing team will aim for a more decent ranking given its ambitions. Director of DS Performance, Xavier Mestelan-Pinon summarized the beginning of the season for his team: « Currently, we have not met the set objectives. The performance is there but it’s not enough. Our race pace is quite good compared to the levels of energy used. If we put everything into place, with good qualifications and zero mistakes in the race, then we can reach the podium. »
Into the garage and a quick car change for @sambirdracing and @pechito37 #DSVirginRacing #ParisePrix #Fanboost #SamBird pic.twitter.com/ZVxG95aEAz— DS Virgin Racing (@DSVirginRacing) 19 mai 2017
Rain as a surprise guest?
While the bumpy course hasn’t shifted one iota compared to last year, one of the main questions comes from the sky. Several passing showers expected during the course of tomorrow could shake things up.
Even if, as Jean-Paul Driot reminded in the press conference, the biggest risk would be if it only falls at the time of the qualifying session, divided into four groups of five drivers: « Rain is not a significantly bad thing for our team. It can mainly have an impact during Qualifications, depending on the draw. »
Absent last year, the shakedown may have been more than necessary. It took place this Friday afternoon, on dry ground. Thirty minutes of unlocking on the Parisian track, before the big day tomorrow…
Let’s go for a lap of the @qatarairways #ParisePrix with @LucasdiGrassi during Shakedown – Live! https://t.co/eX6ZXkju43
#FormulaE pic.twitter.com/ry4kxIt1x8— FIA Formula E (@FIAformulaE) 19 mai 2017
From our special correspondent in Paris
