The British driver crossed the line in seventh place to claim six points, as team-mate JeanÉric Vergne finished outside the points in 12th place.
Bird, who topped the FanBoost leaderboard to claim an extra 100kJ of energy in the second half of the race, started well from ninth position and quickly made his way through the pack to sixth, before suffering a setback which saw him slip back down to eleventh. The 28-year old reacted well though, demonstrating a number of eye-catching overtaking manoeuvres as he climbed back up the standings to ensure the team did not leave China empty-handed.
Speaking after the race, Bird said: “It was a frustrating race but of course it’s good to get our first points on the board. There were signs of encouragement but definitely plenty for us to work on too ahead of Malaysia. I’d also like to thank all of my fans and supporters that helped us to win FanBoost – the support for myself and the team here has been absolutely phenomenal.” Vergne, who earlier set the second fastest lap during qualifying, suffered a frustrating race in his first outing for Virgin Racing.
The Frenchman was encouraged though by the pace that the car showed throughout the weekend. Vergne said: “We showed some really good pace in qualifying but it was a really difficult race for me personally. Overall, it’s been a really fun Formula E experience here in Beijing and now we just have to make sure we get it right and go again in two weeks’ time.”
The team now heads to Putrajaya for the Malaysian ePrix on 7 November – a race which holds fond memories for the team following Sam Bird’s dominant victory last season.
For more information on the Virgin Racing Formula E Team, please visit the website: https://www.ds-virginracing.com
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For further information please contact:
Chris Soult Pitch PR
E: chris.soult@pitch.co.uk
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About Virgin group:
Virgin is a leading international investment group and one of the world’s most recognised and respected brands. Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow successful businesses in sectors ranging from mobile telephony, travel, financial services, leisure, music, holidays and health & wellness. Virgin employs more than 60,000 people, operating in over 50 countries and had global branded revenues of £15bn ($24bn) in 2013.
About the DS brand:
DS is a Paris-based automotive brand officially launched on 1 June 2014 with the stated ambition of driving an upmarket comeback in the French automotive industry. Inspired by the best in French automotive know-how, DS perpetuates the values of innovation and distinction inherited from the legendary 1955 DS. The DS range is designed for customers seeking personal expression. It currently comprises DS 3, DS 3 CABRIO, New DS 4, DS 4 CROSSBACK, New DS 5, DS 5LS and DS 6. DS cars stand out for their remarkable style, refinement down to the tiniest detail, quality materials, and advanced technologies such as the hybrid diesel drivechain, Hybrid 4×4, available on New DS 5. In Europe, they are sold through DS Stores or at special showrooms across the CITROËN dealer network. In China, DS runs a dedicated network of dealer outlets. DS customers enjoy a brand experience that extends beyond the cars themselves to cover exclusive premium services, as through the DS PRIVILEGE club. Sales top 580,000 since the brand came into existence.
www.driveDS.com
Keep up with DS on @DS_Official.
About FIA Formula E Championship:
Formula E is a ground-breaking FIA championship and the world’s first fully-electric racing series. It represents a vision for the future of the motor industry, serving as a framework for research and development around the electric vehicle, accelerating general interest in these cars and promoting sustainability. The first season began in Beijing in September 2014 and completed in London in June 2015, racing in 10 major cities (11 races) around the world. The championship sees 10 teams, each with two drivers, going head-to-head to create a unique and exciting racing series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fans. Season two gets underway in October in Beijing where the series becomes an ‘open championship’ allowing approved manufacturers to develop new powertrain solutions. Future seasons will see the regulations open up further allowing manufacturers to focus on improving battery technology.
FIA & Michelin:
Today’s partners for tomorrow’s mobility: As well as being the official Formula E tyre supplier, Michelin is an official partner, at the international level, of the FIA Action for Road Safety campaign. The programme is designed to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety initiated by the UN, the aim of which is to save five million lives over the next 10 years. This programme is set up to educate and advocate for safer roads, vehicles and behaviours around the globe.