Sam Bird victorious in historic Rome E-Prix
Latest news from the DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team For immediate release: Saturday, April 14, 2018 SAM BIRD VICTORIOUS IN HISTORIC ROME E-PRIX - British racer wins inaugural Formula E race in Italian capital - DS Virgin Racing move into second spot in both teams’ and drivers’ standings - Team blessed by Pope earlier in the week - Win brings up team's seventh career win during 40th Formula E race - Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi presents winning trophy in front of capacity crowd DS Virgin Racing’s Sam Bird took a historic victory during today’s inaugural Formula E race in Rome to pick up his seventh win in the series to date and move him, and his team, into second place in the championship standings. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RACE HIGHLIGHTS The British driver, who has competed for the team in every one of the 40 Formula E races run, resisted a late charge by Lucas di Grassi in the closing stages to clinch victory after poleman Felix Rosenqvist retired after breaking his rear-left suspension. In front of a capacity crowd, Bird had looked quick all day around the specially built Circuto Cittadino dell’EUR street track finishing P2 in both the opening practices, as well as the tightly fought qualifying sessions. “I honestly didn’t think I would be sitting here today when I saw the pace of Felix [Rosenqvist],�?? said the 31-year-old, who earlier in the week had been blessed by the Pope at a special event organised by Formula E. “I was able to catch him towards the end of the first stint but there were some quick cars behind me. It was a shame what happened to Felix in the second stint, but it gave me the lead so was a case of just getting my head down and not making any mistakes. The team has done a great job today and we’re all looking forward to the Paris race in two weeks’ time.�?? Meanwhile, it was a frustrating weekend for Sam’s team-mate and fellow Brit Alex Lynn who, despite showing strong pace, got caught up in race incidents, forcing him to retire for only the second time this season. “It’s certainly been a frustrating weekend on my side of the garage, but I’m obviously delighted for Sam and for the team. The pace was there but it just didn’t quite come together today. For sure we’ll go away and come back fighting again for the next European race in Paris.�?? DS Virgin Racing Team Principal Alex Tai commented: “I’m delighted for Sam and for the team. The Rome event has been fantastic so huge credit to Formula E. Sam does have a habit of winning on new tracks – like his double victory at the inaugural New York race last year – or maybe it was the blessing from the Pope! Either way, we’re delighted and grateful to the whole team for their continuous hard work. Of course, it’s been a frustrating one for Alex but he’s a great driver and I know he’ll bounce back.�?? DS Performance Director Xavier Mestelan Pinon added: “What a pleasure to start our European tour with such a great victory in Rome, in front of thousands of fans! This is a good omen before our home race in Paris and we can now celebrate this trophy in style!�?? The next Formula E race – round 8 – takes place in Paris on April 28. For more information on the team, including high-res images and video content, visit: http://map.ds-virginracing.com/ 2018 FIA Formula E Championship Rome E-Prix (Rd 7) – Race results (33 laps): 1. Sam Bird, DS Virgin Racing (25pts) 2. Lucas di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler (18pts) 3. Andre Lotterer, Techeetah, (15pts) 4. Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler (12pts, FL) 5. Jean Eric Vergne, Techeetah (10pts) 6. Sebastien Buemi, Renault e.dams (8pts) 7. Jerome D’Ambrosio, Dragon (6pts) 8. Maro Engel, Venturi Formula E (4pts) 9. Mitch Evans, Panasonic Jaguar Racing (2pts) 10. Eduaro Mortara, Venturi Formula E (1pt) DNF. Alex Lynn, DS Virgin Racing Drivers’ standings (after Rd 7): 1. Jean Eric Vergne, 119pts 2. Sam Bird, 101pts 3. Felix Rosenqvist, 82pts 4. Sebastien Buemi, 60pts 5. Daniel Abt, 50pts 13. Alex Lynn, 17pts Teams’ standings (after Rd 7): 1. Techeetah, 152pts 2. DS Virgin Racing, 118pts 3. Mahindra Racing, 103pts 4. Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, 89pts 5. Panasonic Jaguar Racing, 88pts Photo caption: DS Virgin Racing’s Sam Bird celebrates victory during today’s inaugural Formula E Rome E-Prix -ENDS- For further information please contact: Tom Phillips, PR & Communications Manager, DS Virgin Racing E : tom.phillips@ds-virginracing.com // T: +44 (0) 7496 972965 About DS Virgin Racing: The DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team is one of the founding and leading outfits in the FIA Formula E Championship – the world’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series. Headed up by Team Principal Alex Tai and with the continued support of Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, the team works in partnership with French luxury car manufacturer DS Automobiles, collaborating together in order to power innovation. The team’s commercial headquarters are based in London, whilst it’s operational arm is centred at new state-of-the-art facilities at Silverstone, both overlapping with DS Automobiles’ facilities in Satory, France – part of the PSA Group’s Centre of Excellence. Now entering its fourth season, the team remains one of the most successful on the grid and remains one of only a handful of teams to have recorded victories in every Formula E season to date. Meanwhile, Virgin Group 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. For further information visit www.ds-virginracing.com About DS Automobiles A French brand born in Paris, DS was founded on 1 June 2014. Its ambition is to embody the French know-how of luxury in its cars. Driven by its outstanding heritage and avant-garde spirit, 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 Collection comprises DS 3, DS 3 CABRIO, DS 4, DS 4 CROSSBACK, DS 4S, DS 5, DS 5LS, DS 6 and completed with DS 7 CROSSBACK. The models in the DS range stand apart through their avant-garde design, refinement and attention to detail, advanced technology and dynamic serenity. Presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, DS 7 CROSSBACK, the SUV by DS featuring Parisian-style innovation and savoir-faire, ushers in the second generation of DS models. With the DS 7 CROSSBACK La Première limited edition model, forward thinkers can reserve their car online or at a DS Store or DS Salon, and be the first to get behind the wheel. Committed to high-performance hybrid and electric cars, the Brand will launch the DS 7 CROSSBACK equipped with E-Tense, the hybrid powertrain by DS, in 2019. DS models are available from DS Stores, DS Salons and a selection of other dedicated spaces within the Citroën network. DS also has a flagship store, DS WORLD PARIS. DS represents a brand experience that goes beyond the products to include ONLY YOU, a collection of exclusive services showcased at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. For more information visit www.dsautomobiles.com 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 against the backdrop of some of the most iconic cities - including Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Paris, Berlin, New York and Montreal. 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. For more information visit www.fiaformulae.com If you would like to stop receiving emails from this sender, simply unsubscribe. http://sentpressrelease.com/pressrelease/unsubscribe/B32$GUWZ56YRSU3XO3AVXKSOJBPZU7OEBMRCA37RYIHK6VK4I2VSGOK3TGMN3P4PT7UB74UG5M7UVAXKO3AB6UXXMVCQMWNKA7HAMZAS3TY=