DS Virgin Racing Determined to Demonstrate True Capabilities in Marrakech
04/11/16 DS Virgin Racing Determined to Demonstrate True Capabilities in Marrakech DS Virgin Racing is determined to show what it can do in Marrakech, after missing the opportunity to win the season-opener in Hong Kong. For the team, Race 2 is all about capitalising on the undoubted pace of the car and drivers and getting points on the board. DS Virgin Racing travel to Marrakech determined to right their upset in Hong Kong. Despite both cars qualifying on the second row of the grid, the team came away without scoring points. All now look toward race 2 as Formula E debuts in Africa. Marrakech is a track of significance to the team. “I’ve raced and won here three times before with the WTCCâ€??? explains José MarÃa López. “It was a touch narrow. But then again, a Formula E car takes up less room than a WTCC car, so It should be a good fight.â€??? The team’s experience here isn’t limited to its drivers. Our engineers have a history of racing and winning in Marrakech and are confident this will give the team an edge. Our track simulator testing revealed that the top achievable speed for a Formula E car is 210 km/h, faster than WTCC’s 205 km/h. © SpaceSuit Media/ Shivraj Gohil The track is a dramatic departure from Hong Kong – twelve turns to Hong Kong’s nine and over half a kilometre longer. As the longest track in the series, the teams’ challenge for Marrakech will be tactical battery preservation – something that Sam Bird displayed masterfully during Hong Kong, leading the pack for several laps before the car change. The track isn’t the only place where key strategies are being played out. The Marrakech ePrix coincides with the Cop22 Summit: a meeting of the world’s leaders on sustainability and climate change. In tandem, DS Virgin Racing will be hosting an Innovation Summit in front of our garage on November 10th, featuring international panellists discussing EVs and sustainable tech. “We’ve gone to space, we’ve done biofuel flight and we were the first to go non-stop solo around the world. Virgin is all about making sustainability fast." states Team Principal Alex Tai. Back trackside, both Pechito and Sam Bird move into Marrakech with a point to prove after Hong Kong. “As far as I’m concerned, this is Race 1 now. Let’s put points on the boardâ€??? explains Sam Bird. The team now await the opportunity to re-assert themselves, in just a few days’ time.   Marrakech Timings 12th Nov Free Practice 1 0800-0845 Free Practice 2 1030-1100 Qualifying 1200-1300 Race 1605-1700 For more information on the DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team, please visit the website: http://www.ds-virginracing.com For further information please contact: Alasdair Byers PR & Communications Manager DS Virgin Racing E : alasdair.byers@ds-virginracing.com T: +44 (0) 7496 972968 Or alternatively Sebastian Floyd PR & Communications Executive DS Virgin Racing E : sebastian.floyd@ds-virginracing.com T: +44 (0) 7704 567 113 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 including mobile telephony, travel & transportation, financial services, leisure & entertainment and health & wellness. About the DS brand A French brand born in Paris, DS was officially founded on 1 June 2014. Its clearly stated ambition is to revive the tradition of premium vehicles in the French automotive industry. Inspired by the very best of French know-how, DS perpetuates the values of innovation and distinction inherited from the first DS, launched in 1955. Designed for customers looking for a means to express themselves as individuals, the DS range now comprises New DS 3, New DS 3 CABRIO, DS 4, DS 4 CROSSBACK, DS 4S, DS 5, DS 5LS and DS 6. Featuring remarkable styling, premium materials and refinement in every detail, the DS range also stands apart for its technology, in particular the Hybrid 4 four-wheel-drive hybrid diesel drive train available on DS 5. Marketed in Europe in DS STORES or DS SALONS (dedicated showroom areas within the CITROËN network), DS has its own network of sales outlets in China. For customers, DS has come to represent a brand experience that goes beyond the product to include a range of exclusive premium services, in particular through the DS Privilege Club. Keep up with the latest news from DS at www.DSautomobiles.com @DS_Official About the FIA Formula E Championship: The FIA Formula E Championship is the world’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series, competing on the streets in the backdrop of some of the most iconic cities - including Hong Kong, Marrakech, Buenos Aires, Monaco, Paris, Montreal and New York. The championship represents a vision for the future of the motor industry, serving as a platform to showcase the latest innovations in electric vehicle technology and alternative energy solutions. Future seasons will see the regulations open up further allowing manufacturers to focus on the development of motor and battery components, which in turn will filter down to everyday contemporary electric road vehicles. The 2016/17 FIA Formula E Championship sees 10 teams and 20 drivers go wheel-to-wheel in 12 cities spanning five continents in the fight to be crowned Formula E champion. The inaugural season of Formula E sparked into life in September 2014 around the grounds of the Olympic Park in Beijing. The third season of the all-electric racing series gets underway on October 9 in Hong Kong, with the season finale double-header in New York on July 29 & 30. About 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.