Sebastien Buemi goes fastest at first Formula E test

UK|03 Jul 14

E.dams-Renault's Sebastien Buemi set the fastest time at the end of the first day of official Formula E testing at Donington Park.

In dry, bright conditions, the Swiss racer posted a 1:35.475s with under an hour to go in the afternoon session, holding on to the top spot until the end of the day.

Speaking afterwards Buemi said: “I’m more than happy to be honest. I didn’t have any problems with the car at all and that meant we were able to learn quite a lot about it. It’s always nice to be P1 so let’s hope it continues tomorrow.”

The first of five public tests saw all 10 teams and drivers use the full Donington Park GP circuit, modified to include an additional chicane at the exit to the Old Hairpin.

Lucas di Grassi driving for Audi Sport ABT finished over half a second shy of Buemi despite only running during the afternoon session, replacing team-mate Daniel Abt who left for GP2 duties mid-way through the day. Briton’s Sam Bird (Virgin Racing) was a further three-tenths back in third with Mahindra's Bruno Senna in fourth.

The day started with a flurry of activity with Abt setting the early pace and topping the timesheets during the lunch break.

Without the rain that hampered track time during the shakedown last month, drivers were able to get a feeling for the fully-electric Spark-Renault SRT_01E ahead of the opening round in Beijing this September.

Venturi’s new signing and ex-Le Mans driver Stephane Sarrazin rounded out the top-five during his first outing in a fully-electric single-seater. 

Sarrazin said: “I’ve had experience of driving electric-powered cars in the past with hybrid technology but this is complete new. The feeling in the car is great and it’s certainly fun to drive.”

Nicolas Prost (e.dams-Renault), son of the four-time Formula 1 World Champion Alain, only managed eleven laps and finished over a second adrift of his team-mate.

Monaco Grand Prix winner Jarno Trulli stepped into his own car for the first time since acquiring Drayson Racing. The 39-year-old completed the session in seventh place with his new team-mate Michela Cerruti failing to complete a lap due to technical issues.

Virgin Racing's Jaime Alguersuari and Karun Chandkok (Mahindra Racing) completed the top-10.

IndyCar legend and Formula E Ambassador Gil de Ferran got his first taste of the SRT_01E and came home in a respectable 17th ahead of fellow compatriot Scott Speed.

De Ferran said: "Ever since this series begun I have been curious about driving an electric race car. To understand and get a feeling of the varying characteristics of the powertrain and gearbox is fascinating."

FIA Formula E Championship-
Day 1, Donington Park- Test Results (Combined Times):

1. Sebastien Buemi, e.dams-Renault, 1:35.475
2. Lucas di Grassi, Audi Sport ABT, +0.537
3. Sam Bird, Virgin Racing, +0.895
4. Bruno Senna, Mahindra Racing, +0.910
5. Stephane Sarrazin, Venturi, +1.223
6. Nicolas Prost, e.dams-Renault, +1.232
7. Jarno Trulli, Trulli, +1.494
8. Daniel Abt, Audi Sport ABT, +1.737
9. Jaime Alguersuari, Virgin Racing, +1.970
10. Karun Chandhok, Mahindra Racing, +2.057
11. Franck Montagny, Andretti Autosport, +2.587
12. Antonio Felix da Costa, Amlin Aguri, +2.604
13. Jerome d’Ambrosio, China Racing, +2.611
14. Antonio Garcia, China Racing, +2.729
15. Nick Heidfeld, Venturi, +5.269
16. Mike Conway, Dragon Racing, +5.693
17. Gil de Ferran, Andretti Autosport, +9.497
18. Scott Speed, Andretti Autosport, +10.434
19. Katherine Legge, Amlin Aguri, +12.821
20. Michela Cerruti, Trulli, No time set



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