New York (AFP)
Jean-Eric Vergne of France (DS / Techeetah) became the Sunday World Electric Formula Champion for the second time in a row, managing just the last event of the season in New York.
For the native of Pontoise, 29 years old, it is a new consecration after the one conquered last year on the same circuit of Brooklyn, with the skyscrapers of Manhattan in the background.
Vergne managed his race intelligently after starting 12th on the grid. It was enough for him to finish in the first eight and none of his direct rivals won the race to secure his title.
"Starting in the middle of the pack, I had to be pretty aggressive at first and take a few risks, but it paid off and I managed the situation," said the French driver after the finish.
- Individual and constructor titles -
"I have so many emotions running through me right now and I'm very proud to be part of my team, which also wins the title," he added.
This one, DS / Techeetah, actually removes the title manufacturers. The brand of the French group PSA has teamed up this year with the Chinese team Techeetah, which was last year the title by Audi in the last event, also run in New York.
The race was won by Dutchman Robin Frijns (Envision). Switzerland's Sebastien Buemi (Nissan), who finished third, took second place in the championship, concluding a sumptuous year after also winning for the second time the 24 hours of Le Mans, a month ago.
"I never dreamed of being able to finish second in the championship," said the Swiss driver who regretted however that the dual electric engine technology, developed by his team Nissan, is banned next year.
Two of Vergne's main rivals for the title, Brazilian Lucas di Grassi (Audi) and New Zealander Mitch Evans (Jaguar), clung to the final lap as they fought for 6th place.
Vergne is the only driver to have won three events this season in this hotly contested discipline that is attracting more and more manufacturers, engaged in the production of electric series vehicles. Mercedes and Porsche have to join the competition next year.
- The taste of victories -
Passed by F1, like Buemi and several other Formula Electric drivers, Jean-Eric Vergne has found in this discipline the taste of podiums and victories.
"Being able to fight for wins and podiums has completely changed me: in F1, I could only fight for a 7th or 8th place if all the planets lined up, and it's something extremely frustrating that I have lived badly enough, "he said recently in an interview with AFP.
"I'm much happier to be in a position to fight, all the builders today are investing billions in batteries, all the brands are coming out of electric vehicles and we are the research laboratory for this new technology. in the air of time, "he added.
Launched in 2015, the Formula Electric Championship features 100% electric single-seaters for 45-minute races plus one lap. There are currently 22 drivers and 11 teams involved.
The events take place on several continents, from Africa to Latin America via Asia, North America and Europe.
The circuits are traced in the cities and capitals of the whole world as notably Paris, Rome, Santiago of Chile and Hong Kong.
The last two events are held in recent years on the Brooklyn circuit, the same weekend, with one race on Saturday and another on Sunday. This format will be maintained next year but the "final" will take place in London.
© 2019 AFP