Jean-Eric Vergne hails new DS powertrain after mastering tricky conditions to win in Rome
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Jean-Eric Vergne hails new DS powertrain after mastering tricky conditions to win in Rome

2 Mins
Jean-Eric Vergne hails new DS powertrain after mastering tricky conditions to win in Rome 

DS TECHEETAH's double Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne hailed the step the team has taken with the introduction of its new powertrain in the new-for-Rome DS E-TENSE FE21, which helped the Frenchman to the race win on the car's debut in Round 3.

Jean-Eric Vergnesteered the new DS E-TENSE FE21 to victory in Rome on the new car's debut for his 10th win in Formula E amid tricky, damp conditions.

Vergne's victory came about in no small part due to some impeccable ATTACK MODE timing, seeing him find little pockets of space in the pack and make instant progress as the first to take both his first and second activations of the 35kW boost.

With the field ridiculously compressed - some 15 cars within a little over five seconds of one-another - that he was able to find the room to maintain his forward momentum was no mean feat.

A technical issue for Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) put paid to the Brazilian's challenge shortly after he'd made it beyond Vergne for the race lead.

The Frenchman is adamant he'd have bested the Audi driver in a fight with energy management looking like it'd become a real factor towards the end of the race - and he's more than pleased with his first outing in the FE21, especially after that FP1 incident.

“Today was our first race day with the new powertrain and it started well, it felt really good,” said a delighted Vergne.

 

“The team did a great job to fix the car after the crash in FP1 and qualifying went well. I thought I’d have a bit more speed in the race and it was a question of keeping in control in tough conditions – it was very, very tricky in the race and on the way to the grid you’re just feeling the track.

“My engineer was very good in giving me directions on energy management and ATTACK MODE. The team told me the best window to take it in and got it just right. From there, it was a case of looking at energy consumption as it was going to be tight. So, I did not block Lucas (di Grassi) when he attacked me as I was already trying to save energy.

"I knew he had a bit less so I just let him go and would wait. I thought I could get him again at the end – so it’s unfortunate he had his problem. It’s never nice to see, especially with a such a good race.”

 

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