Vergne to miss Buenos Aires ePrix

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DS Virgin Racing driver Jean-Eric Vergne will not compete in this year’s Buenos Aires ePrix. Food poisoning forces the Frenchman to miss the event.

After not taking part in Free Practice 1, rumors started to go around that Vergne would not take part in the entire event due to “feeling unwell”. The unfortunate news were confirmed by the team at the end of the first practice session. According to the team, Vergne was motivated to drive nevertheless, but team principal Alex Tai made the final call and decided Vergne should not take the risk due to the high Argentinian temperatures.

Missing the Buenos Aires ePrix is unfortunate for the Frenchman who is currently 14th in the overall championship standings as the Virgin Racing Engineering DSV-01 seems very strong on the streets of Buenos Aires. Vergne’s team mate Sam Bird was able to set the fastest time in Free Practice 1 and is therefore already one of the favourites for qualifying and the race later on. Keeping in mind what DS Virgin Racing is capable of this weekend, the Buenos Aires ePrix could have been the Frenchman’s big breakthrough as a seventh place in Punta del Este is his best result so far this season.

Double WTCC champion Jose-Maria Lopez is rumored to replace Vergne. The Argentinian has been part of the pre-race build up during the last few days and has expressed his interest in the FIA Formula E championship. More news on Vergne’s replacement are expected soon. First and foremost, the entire e-racing.net team wishes JEV a speedy recovery.

UPDATE: In time for Free Practice 2, Jean-Eric Vergne himself said that he feels much better and will now compete in the event.

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Image courtesy of FIA Formula E Media

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