Track evolution played a huge role in today’s Santiago E-Prix qualifying session, with no drivers from Group 1 or 2 making it through to the Superpole shootout.
Following a difficult final practice session for both Envision Virgin Racing drivers at the Parc O’Higgins circuit – in which neither were able to set flying 250kW laps – the pair took to the track for qualifying.
Up first was Sam Bird in Group 1 – a notoriously difficult qualifying group due to evolving track conditions. Hindered by minimal running earlier in the day, the Brit was able to complete a group qualifying lap with a final position of P4.
Up next was Dutchman Robin Frijns in Group 2, who was yet to complete a full power lap during either practice session. Struggling with traffic during his out lap, Frijns was pushing hard and spun at turn-1 on his qualifying lap – meaning that he ended his group in P10.
With two groups left to complete their qualifying laps, the Envision Virgin Racing pair were sitting ducks – as track conditions continued to improve – and were pushed further down the standings.
Bird ended the group stages in 16th and Frijns in 21st and are now looking ahead to the race, with both showing their overtaking prowess last time out here in the Chilean capital.
Next up is the race at 4pm local time (7pm UK time).