Jean-Éric Vergne, star at home
After a complicated start to the season, Jean-Éric Vergne got his Formula E season off to a flying start with a hard-fought second-place finish in front of the Parisian public.
With only six points on the board, JEV’s record before the Paris round was rather unimpressive. It must be said that the DS Virgin Racing driver hadn’t been spared from problems: food poisoning had significantly weakened him during the Buenos Aires ePrix.
But on this particular day, success was finally on the horizon! After a good qualifying session finished in third position, all hopes were allowed.
Stealing second place in the first round from his teammate, Vergne experienced some tense moments with Sam Bird. In the end, this second place marks his personal best result in the discipline.
A certain emotion was therefore present at the post-race press conference.
« This Paris ePrix was very emotional for me, beyond the home race effect. From a personal standpoint, I think it was my best day in the series! I didn’t win but I am happy for the DS brand to shine here. It was an absolutely incredible podium, one of the finest of my entire career! Seeing all the Parisians gathered at the foot of the podium was a wonderful moment. »
But did he have time to realize the fervor while driving his DS Virgin?
« I couldn’t gauge the atmosphere from my car, I was quite busy! », especially referring to the battle with Sam Bird.
Nevertheless, his words pointed out a little disappointment: I am a little disappointed not to have won.
It’s still frustrating, I hadn’t used the Fan Boost yet (at the time of Ma Qing Hua’s accident). I wanted to use it on Lucas di Grassi in case the race was restarted. But victory will be for another time, I will settle for this second place.
But in the end, Jean-Éric Vergne will certainly have a very fond overall memory of this first French ePrix.
Taking a step back, he concluded as follows:
« This event was great for the city, for French motorsport, for our country in general. I hope other cities will do as well as Paris. »
Podium selfie – what @JeanEricVergne must be feeling we have no idea pic.twitter.com/rTUGQHF5rQ
— DS Virgin Racing (@DSVirginRacing) April 23, 2016
