JEAN-ERIC VERGNE CHARGES TO POLE POSITION IN BERLIN
21st May 2016 JEAN-ERIC VERGNE CHARGES TO POLE POSITION IN BERLIN Third time in a row for DS 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/ Fans can submit a Fanboost vote via the official app or website at www.fiaformulae.com/fanboost or via Twitter and Instagram by posting the#Fanboost hashtag alongside either #SamBird or #JeanEricVergne. -ENDS- To access rights free static and moving team imagery click here Notes to Editors: 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: Amy Monkman PR & Communications Manager DS Virgin Racing E : amy.monkman@ds-virginracing.com T: +44 (0) 7496 972968 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 stated ambition is to revive the tradition of premium vehicles in the French automotive industry. Drawing on 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 the New DS 3, New DS 3 Cabrio, New DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback, New DS 5, DS 5LS and DS 6. The DS range stands out with exceptional styling, sensations and refinement down to the last detail, together with premium materials and advanced technology such as the Hybrid4 hybrid diesel drive train available on the DS 5. Marketed in Europe in DS STORE and DS SALON (dedicated showroom areas in 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. The brand has sold more than 600,000 vehicles since launch.www.dsautomobiles.co.uk 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 got underway in October in Beijing where the series became 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.