Closed Circuit: DS Virgin Racing in Montreal

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

DS Virgin Racing went to Montreal trying to close Season three in the highest possible form. Sam Bird lost his last title chances on Saturday, while José María López ended his first Formula E season on the podium on Sunday.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”THE TEAM” color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion style=”outline” color=”green” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”The team’s race in words” tab_id=”1461512664883-ac9eb41a-467a5043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Saturday

Saturday began with strong performance by both drivers at the practice sessions, however, the team made a severe mechanical mistake in qualifying, preventing them to go further than 170kW during their runs, which forced them to start from the back. Bird showed an impressive comeback from 18th to finish in 5th on Saturday, as Lopez eliminated his points’ chances when he crashed into the wall and retired from the race shortly before the car switch.

Sunday

Sunday would prove different, since both drivers stayed consistently in the top-eight during practice sessions. However, Lopez was unlucky to be drawn into the first Qualifying Group and only managed to qualify 14th (though he later moved up one place on the grid due to Renault e.dams driver Nicolas Prost’s penalty). The race showed Bird struggling for pace, as López showed one of his best performances in the season, moving up several places, to end his first Formula E season with a podium while teammate Bird crossed the finish line in P4 right behind the Argentinean.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Team mate comparison: qualifying” tab_id=”1461512175704-af49c202-f1e45043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_line_chart type=”line” style=”modern” x_values=”Hong Kong; Marrakesh; Buenos Aires; Mexico City; Monaco; Paris; Berlin 1; Berlin 2; New York 1; New York 2; Montreal 1; Montreal 2″ values=”%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22Sam%20Bird%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%224%3B%203%3B%2010%3B%206%3B%2010%3B%2018%3B%205%3B%204%3B%204%3B%201%3B%2018%3B%202%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22turquoise%22%7D%2C%7B%22title%22%3A%22Jose-Maria%20Lopez%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%223%3B%2013%3B%20%3B%203%3B%207%3B%203%3B%202%3B%203%3B%20%3B%20%3B%2016%3B%2012%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22green%22%2C%22custom_color%22%3A%22%23f7be68%22%7D%2C%7B%22title%22%3A%22Alex%20Lynn%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%22%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%201%3B%2017%3B%20%3B%20%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22grey%22%2C%22custom_color%22%3A%22%23ff9900%22%7D%5D” title=”Team mate comparison: qualifying”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Team mate comparison: race” tab_id=”1461512175763-831c2584-42cf5043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_line_chart type=”line” style=”modern” x_values=”Hong Kong; Marrakesh; Buenos Aires; Mexico City; Monaco; Paris; Berlin 1; Berlin 2; New York 1; New York 2; Montreal 1; Montreal 2″ values=”%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22Sam%20Bird%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%2213%3B%202%3B%20%3B%203%3B%20%3B%2016%3B%207%3B%207%3B%201%3B%201%3B%205%3B%204%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22turquoise%22%7D%2C%7B%22title%22%3A%22Jose-Maria%20Lopez%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%22%20%3B%2010%3B%2010%3B%206%3B%20%3B%202%3B%204%3B%205%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%203%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22green%22%2C%22custom_color%22%3A%22%23f7be68%22%7D%2C%7B%22title%22%3A%22Alex%20Lynn%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%22%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%3B%20%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22grey%22%2C%22custom_color%22%3A%22%2358b9da%22%7D%5D” title=”Team mate comparison: race”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The team says: “…“” tab_id=”1461512258191-0360a250-a68c5043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Saturday

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“When you have such a competitive car it’s frustrating when you don’t come away with the qualifying results you know you can achieve. However, the professionalism of the team meant we were able to put this behind us and Sam produced a fantastic drive to set us up for a great season finale tomorrow. I know with the pace we have, if we can start at the front we will finish there.”[/perfectpullquote]

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Alex Tai, Team Principal[/perfectpullquote]

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Sam once again proved that our DSV-02 car is one of the most competitive in the championship with a great drive. Today we know we made a mistake in qualifying and it reminds us how much every detail counts and the work of the whole team. Solidarity and the positive involvement of each are essential to achieving great results and tomorrow we hope we can put this behind us and end the season on a high.”[/perfectpullquote]

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Xavier Mestelan Pinon, DS Performance Director[/perfectpullquote]

Sunday

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“My congratulations go to Jose for his superb podium today and his success in his debut season. Also to Sam for his amazing performance over the past 12 races – not to mention his double win in New York – and of course the whole team for their incredible hardwork. Our achievements wouldn’t be possible without such a dedicated team, together with our partners, and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum into season four.”[/perfectpullquote]

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Alex Tai, Team Principal[/perfectpullquote]

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“It was great to end DS Performance’s second Formula E season with a podium, and to add to our tally this season. Throughout the season, the team has developed the performance of the DSV-02, which has allowed us to fight at the top regularly and I’d like to thank the whole DS Virgin Racing team, to Total and our partners for this. This season has also been rich in terms of technological breakthroughs for us as well as brand awareness across the globe.”[/perfectpullquote]

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Xavier Mestelan Pinon, DS Performance Director[/perfectpullquote]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Championship standings (points)” tab_id=”1461512214611-352b21f1-c5375043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_line_chart type=”line” x_values=”Hong Kong; Marrakesh; Buenos Aires; Mexico City; Monaco; Paris; Berlin 1; Berlin 2; New York 1; New York 2; Montreal 1; Montreal 2″ values=”%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22DS%20Virgin%20Racing%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%220%3B%2019%3B%2020%3B%2043%3B%2044%3B%2063%3B%2081%3B%2097%3B%20125%3B%20153%3B%20163%3B%20190%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22green%22%7D%5D” title=”Championship standings”][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Sam Bird” color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion style=”outline” color=”green” c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Sam Bird’s race in words” tab_id=”1461512310664-cbeb96df-4af05043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Saturday

Sam Bird came to Montreal with small chances of winning the title still intact, but those vanished quickly following his qualifying performance. Saturday’s qualifying meant he was only able to start from 18th after the team failed in the car’s setup, with only 170kw to give. With little to fight for, the Brit went on to finish fifth after a solid comeback.

Sunday

Sunday was completely different, since Bird was fastest in qualifying and thus was able to make his way into Super Pole. He missed out on the last pole-position of Formula E’s third season but a second place on the grid meant the Brit was full of hopes for the final race. HE showed another solid performance but struggled to keep up with the leading duo of Felix Rosenqvist (Mahindra Racing) and Jean-Eric Vergne (TECHEETAH), and finished in fourth after teammate Jose-Maria Lopez overtook him during the final spurt of the race. He finished the season as fourth in the overall standings, with 122 points, of which 53 were scored with his double-header win in New York.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Lap chart” tab_id=”1461512310716-c8bf2e2d-dbb95043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_line_chart type=”line” x_values=”Starting position; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; ” values=”%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22Saturday%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%2218%3B%2019%3B%2019%3B%2018%3B%2018%3B%2017%3B%2017%3B%2017%3B%2017%3B%2017%3B%2017%3B%2016%3B%2016%3B%2016%3B%2013%3B%2013%3B%2015%3B%2011%3B%2011%3B%2010%3B%2010%3B%209%3B%209%3B%209%3B%208%3B%208%3B%208%3B%208%3B%208%3B%209%3B%208%3B%208%3B%207%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22turquoise%22%7D%2C%7B%22title%22%3A%22Sunday%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%222%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%204%3B%2011%3B%204%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22green%22%7D%5D” title=”Sam Bird: lap chart”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The race in numbers – Saturday” tab_id=”1461512375203-dc62694e-d0395043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Best time in FP1: 1:23.618 (P2)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in FP2: 1:22.482 (P6)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in qualifying: 1:25.770 (P18)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in the race: 1:24.904 (lap 22)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Pit stop time and difference to minimum pit stop time: 58.106s (1.106s above minimum time)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The race in numbers – Sunday” tab_id=”1467842123264-705ed4a7-f66a06cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Best time in FP3: 1:22.714 (P7)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in FP4: 1:21.512 (P4)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in qualifying: 1:22.012 (P2)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in the race: 1:25.387 (lap 32)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Pit stop time and difference to minimum pit stop time: 57.364s (0.364s above minimum time)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Sam Bird says: “…“” tab_id=”1461513354622-5577f4b1-edaf5043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Saturday

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I gave it my all in that race and I’m really pleased to come away with some great points. Of course, it was disappointing to have started at the back, but I know if we’d been at the front of the grid it could have been a different story, but it’s still great to come away with the result we did.”[/perfectpullquote]

Sunday

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“It’s been a great final race of the season. Unfortunately, I clipped the wall in the first stint and compromised my car so we were always on the back foot and didn’t quite get the result we wanted – despite pushing all the way! I want to thank my team for everything and for achieving such a strong end to the year, and also to congratulate Jose.”[/perfectpullquote]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Championship standings (points)” tab_id=”1461513704972-abbca216-e1a55043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_line_chart type=”line” x_values=”Hong Kong; Marrakesh; Buenos Aires; Mexico City; Monaco; Paris; Berlin 1; Berlin 2; New York 1; New York 2; Montreal 1; Montreal 2″ values=”%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22Sam%20Bird%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%220%3B%2018%3B%2018%3B%2033%3B%2034%3B%2035%3B%2041%3B%2047%3B%2072%3B%20100%3B%20110%3B%20122%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22turquoise%22%7D%5D” title=”Championship standings”][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title=”Jose-Maria Lopez” color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion style=”outline” color=”green” active_section=”1″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Jose-Maria Lopez’ race in words” tab_id=”1461512547855-b3644413-70595043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Saturday

Jose-Maria López came back in Montreal after missing the New York City ePrix following the date-clash with WEC and his commitments with Toyota in the endurance series. Suffering from the same technical issue as Sam Bird in qualifying, he only managed to be 16th fastest in the hunt for pole-position. In the race, he showed a strong performance but trying to catch the top-ten, he made unfortunate contact with the wall on lap twelve and had to retire from the race.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Sunday

Sunday, as for Sam Bird, was a whole new day, and after better pace in the practice sessions, he was drawn into Qualifying Group one unfortunately. Due to the challenging track conditions, he only managed to secure P14 on the grid. Following strong pace and great overtaking maneuvers – and a lucky breath to avoid the turn one collision – the Argentinean climbed up to fourth and later easily overtook Bird to take third. He thus ended his first season in Formula E on the podium.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Lap chart” tab_id=”1461512548457-fc72c98b-1a615043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_line_chart type=”line” x_values=”Starting position; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; ” values=”%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22Saturday%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%2216%3B%2017%3B%2017%3B%2017%3B%2016%3B%2016%3B%2016%3B%2016%3B%2016%3B%2016%3B%2016%3B%2015%3B%2015%3B%2015%3B%2011%3B%2011%3B%2013%3B%2012%3B%2012%3B%2011%3B%2011%3B%2011%3B%2011%3B%2010%3B%20%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22green%22%7D%2C%7B%22title%22%3A%22Sunday%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%2211%3B%207%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%3B%206%3B%205%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%203%3B%202%3B%205%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%204%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%3B%203%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22turquoise%22%7D%5D” title=”Jose-Maria Lopez: lap chart”][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The race in numbers – Saturday” tab_id=”1461512549057-0abe4d02-33bc5043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Best time in FP1: 1:24.276 (P11)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in FP2: 1:23.496 (P13)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in qualifying: 1:25.297 (P16)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in the race: 1:26.128 (lap 12)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Pit stop time and difference to minimum pit stop time: 59.467s (2.467s above minimum time)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”The race in numbers – Sunday” tab_id=”1467842414339-37b9f6e1-072006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Best time in FP3: 1:22.666 (P6)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in FP4: 1:21.483 (P3)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in qualifying: 1:23.313 (P12)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Best time in the race: 1:24.839 (lap 25)

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Pit stop time and difference to minimum pit stop time: 57.881s (0.881s above minimum time)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Jose-Maria Lopez says: “…“” tab_id=”1461513386630-de10c68d-06ab5043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_column_text]

Saturday

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“That was a disappointing result for us after making up so many places. I got out of position after overtaking a car on the previous corner and just made a mistake. It’s a shame because it’s clear to see the improvements the team have made since I last drove and we certainly have the pace to fight for more tomorrow.”[/perfectpullquote]

Sunday

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I’m really pleased with the result, especially after what happened in race one, and to finish the season this way. I could tell straightaway what a difference the team had made to the car since my last race and it was frustrating our qualifying group meant we were unable to show this. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the race and of course the whole season, as well as working with the DS Virgin Racing team.”[/perfectpullquote]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Championship standings (points)” tab_id=”1461513723518-ee223709-f56c5043-b572853b-7c5006cc-defbaeb2-9a8c”][vc_line_chart type=”line” x_values=”Hong Kong; Marrakesh; Buenos Aires; Mexico City; Monaco; Paris; Berlin 1; Berlin 2; New York 1; New York 2; Montreal 1; Montreal 2″ values=”%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22Jose-Maria%20Lopez%22%2C%22y_values%22%3A%220%3B%201%3B%202%3B%2010%3B%2010%3B%2028%3B%2040%3B%2050%3B%2050%3B%2050%3B%2050%3B%2065%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22green%22%7D%5D” title=”Championship standings”][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

FRANCISCO AURE | e-racing.net

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Images courtesy of FIA Formula E Media

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]