Third time in a row for Virgin Racing as Jean-Eric Vergne claimed the Berlin ePrix Pole Position during Qualifying and Superpole today at Round 8 of the FIA Formula E Championship. This is also the first time a Frenchman has qualified on Pole Position this season.
After coming top of his group during Qualifying, Vergne continued to impress with the fastest lap in Superpole with a time of 57.811, beating both Mahindra drivers Nick Heidfeld and Bruno Senna as well as German driver Daniel Abt and championship favourite Sebastien Buemi.
“I’m very pleased. The team have worked very hard on improving the car and it’s paid off. Starting at the front of the grid is a first for me and it goes without saying that I intend to stay there throughout the race,” says Vergne. “I know I will have pressure with Buemi behind me but I will defend strongly and we’ll see what happens.”
Vergne’s teammate Sam Bird also qualified towards the front of the grid in P6.“I was hoping to sneak into Superpole,” explains Bird. “Unfortunately the speed wasn’t quite there. It’s a well-deserved position for Jev but it would be nice if I could be up there with him. Nonetheless I will be focusing on passing the cars in front, that’s my priority now.”
The drivers have been familiarising themselves with the 1.927km city centre track in the heart of the city winding around Strausberger Platz and towards the iconic Alexanderplatz.
The Berlin ePrix will take place today at 16:00 local time. For key timings and more information please click here: http://berlin.fiaformulae.com/
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