Sarrazin scores maiden podium

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Stephane Sarrazin continued his strong run of form in season two by registering his first ever Formula E podium and a second rostrum finish for the Venturi team.

The Frenchman has been threatening to enter the top three all season long, with Long Beach marking the third time out of six races that Sarrazin took part in the Super Pole shootout.

Fourth place on the grid was soon converted to third following a qualifying exclusion for Antonio Felix da Costa, and Sarrazin took full advantage as he stayed close behind new pole sitter Sam Bird and eventual race winner Lucas di Grassi.

The Venturi driver was elevated into second place on lap 23, as Bird made a self-admitted driver error on cold tyres and nudged his nose into the wall at turn five.

As the safety car was deployed following a hefty crash for reigning champion Nelson Piquet Jr, Sarrazin found himself staring at the back of a potential victory, but on the restart was unable to close in enough on di Grassi and crossed the line in second to claim his maiden Formula E podium and rise up to fifth in the standings, tied on points with compatriot Loic Duval.

On the other side of the garage, team mate Mike Conway drove an anonymous race from 14th on the grid to claim his first Formula E point in 10th.

Following the ePrix, Sarrazin praised his team for giving him a car capable of fighting at the front.

“We are very happy,” said Stéphane at the end of the race. “We have been so close to a win so many times since the beginning of the Formula-E series. Today is a great relief, and a great joy – everything really came together for us today. My cars were fast, efficient, reliable and our team did great in the pit. It really feels amazing to finally be on the podium.

“We are all really happy – and yesterday was Gildo’s birthday and he has done so much for this team and has been so patient, so it’s a great feeling to have been able to show him that today”.

Gildo Pastor, the team owner of Venturi, was ecstatic with the result as both of his drivers took points home, and gave tribute to the hard work of his crew.

“I am so happy,” exclaimed Gildo Pastor. “The Venturi team has done a great job today. We have always known that we have a great engine and a great powertrain, but also that we have a team that is continuing to grow and learn in this specific motorsports environment.

“Today everyone was focused and efficient. We achieved our first podium (visit), and have both drivers earning points – that’s great. We still have a lot to learn, and a long way to come but it’s really wonderful to see that we are competitive and that our hard work has paid off. This is the second time in a row that Venturi Automobiles, as a manufacturer, is on the podium after Dragon’s victory in Mexico. Congratulations.”

The result means that Venturi overtake Amlin Andretti for sixth in the constructor’s championship, with a current total of 49 points.

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Sarrazin images courtesy of Venturi
Conway image courtesy of FIA Formula E Media

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