Virgin Racing AIMING FOR THE PODIUM AT FORMULA E SEASON OPENER IN HONG KONG

• The first race of Formula E’s 3rd season sees 10 teams compete in Hong Kong October 9th
• Virgin Racing have a new driver: José María López, aka ‘Pechito’ who joins Formula E fresh from his third world title in a row in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC)
• The team also have a new car, the DSV-02: with a new single motor powertrain, 3 speed gearbox, new front wing, and new livery

The new season sees Formula E expand into new territories, with Hong Kong being joined on the calendar by new races in Marrakech, Montreal and New York. New teams have entered the Formula E category, whilst new broadcast deals for season three continue to move the sport ever further into the mainstream spotlight.

Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird took more pole positions during the 2015-16 season than any other driver, finishing the season in fourth position in the drivers’ championship. The 28 year-old, who was one of Virgin Racing’s first hires expects to perform strongly in Hong Kong.

Sam is joined by new driver, the highly rated José María López, known as ‘Pechito’ – or ‘The Cold One’ in his native Argentina.  Renowned for his aggressive driving style that’s taken him to nine world championship wins across seven motorsport categories, Pechito joins Virgin Racing at a hugely exciting time in his career, carrying with him the momentum of three successive WTCC wins in 2014 2015 and 2016.

Both drivers will be driving Virgin Racing’s latest gen Formula E car, the DS V02, which features a redesigned single powertrain, 3 speed gearbox, Formula E’s new double front wing and Virgin Racing’s new Livery. A video showing the new look can be seen here.

Virgin Racing Team Principal Alex Tai said “The drivers, engineers and our manufacturing partners at DS performance have been working exceptionally hard over the summer to optimise the new car’s systems and performance. I believe we have produced a highly competitive racing package and I want to thank the entire team for their commitment to our preparation for the season. There is no place to hide on the track, and I eagerly await to see how our efforts will compare.”

Come race day the Hong Kong circuit presents a challenging start to the season. At just over 2 km, the track boasts a 550 metre straight, seven 90 degree turns and two full hairpins. All of which are set squarely on the waterfront between the iconic Observation Wheel, International Finance Centre and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The first race of the FIA Formula E season is in Hong Kong on October 9.