Top five moments from the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix

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Top five moments from the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix

Top five moments from the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix

For all those who witnessed the double-header season opener in Hong Kong just over a week ago, it was the chance to see one of the most action-packed battles in the history of the FIA Formula E Championship. After a rollercoaster weekend, reigning champion and Audi Sport Abt Shaeffler driver Lucas di Grassi left Asia empty-handed while newcomer Edoardo Mortara (Venturi Formula E) came close to an outright victory in Round Two with just one race under his belt. The rise of the underdog or the beginning of the end for the all-electric racing elite? Time will tell which is the case but either way, it was certainly a race to remember. But, if you couldn't make it to Hong Kong, missed it on TV and skipped our nifty podcast catch-up episodes, then fear not - we've still got you covered - as we look back at the five greatest moments of the HKT Hong Kong E-Prix.

Bird misses the mark

 

Starting the first race of the season in second place, DS Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird slipped past the race leader Jean-Eric Vergne (TECHEETAH) in the first half before charging into the pits, overshooting the garage and knocking over a bystander. Despite picking up an eight-second penalty for the mistake, the British driver still managed to finish on the top step of the podium. "That was a really crazy race," said Bird. "I thought I'd come out in P7 or P8, or something like that but I got on the radio ...and they said you're in P1... I'd never in a million years expected that."

JEV takes pole...backwards

 

After a closely fought Qualifying and Super Pole round, charismatic Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne (TECHEETAH) topped the timesheets with his hot lap despite crossing the line mid-way through a spin. "I'm pretty proud of it," said Vergne with a smile on returning to the pits. Nonetheless, JEV failed to catch race leader Sam Bird, finish the race in second but facing the right way, at least.

Di Grassi's overtake

 

While reigning champion and Audi Sport Abt Shaeffler driver Lucas di Grassi might have left Hong Kong empty-handed in terms of points, there was a glimmer of hope for the seasoned driver in Round Two. Managing to slip past Renault e.dams' Nico Prost on the inside in a beautifully executed overtake was a moment of glory for the Brazillian but still not enough to take him to the top of the standings after he finished the race in 14th place.

The return of Rosenqvist

 

If you thought Rosenqvist's win in Berlin last season was down to luck, then think again. Putting in a shift over the weekend in Hong Kong, the Mahindra Racing driver's performance saw him top the timesheets in Super Pole, scooping the Julius Baer Pole Position in Round Two, to finish the final race on the Harbourfront in first after Daniel Abt's (Audi Sport Abt Shaeffler) disqualification. With a start like that, the 26-year-old could be in for a chance at the championship title this season.

Evans brings home Jaguar's first silverware in 15 years

After a disappointing first season earlier this year, Panasonic Jaguar Racing driver Mitch Evans demonstrated his true abilities in Hong Kong, posting a 1:02.577 lap - the quickest seen over the two days. Despite finishing in fourth on the second day, Abt's disqualification boosted Evans onto the podium, bringing Jaguar Racing it's first silverware since September 2002. “I’m proud to secure Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s first podium in Formula E. It’s bittersweet as Daniel is a good guy and a mate of mine. After a tough year in our first season, this is a great reward for the hard work of everyone in the team," he said.

Don't worry, there's plenty more Formula E action to come - don't miss out on Round Three in Marrakesh. Click here for tickets.