Jean-Éric Vergne of DS Automobiles’ Formula E team, DS Penske, claimed victory at the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 9 Round 4, the 2023 Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix, held on the 11th (local time), marking the team’s first win of the season.
The 2023 Greenko Hyderabad E-Prix took place at the Hyderabad Circuit and was the first Formula E event held in India. The race occurred in the sweltering heat of over 37 degrees in the southern Indian state of Telangana.
DS Penske’s team featured two-time Formula E champion Jean-Éric Vergne and Stofel Vandoorne, the Formula E Season 8 champion who joined the team this season. With their advanced technical expertise, they aimed to capture the trophy using the cutting-edge third-generation race car, the DS E-TENSE FE23 Gen3.
In the qualifying rounds, Jean-Éric Vergne secured the second grid position by a mere one-hundredth of a second, putting him in a favorable position for victory. In the final race, he demonstrated aggressive driving skills and an excellent battery strategy, regaining the lead midway through the race and holding it to secure the championship trophy. With this win, Vergne recorded his 11th career Formula E victory and placed third in the provisional championship standings for drivers this season, while the team celebrated its 16th win.
Although Stofel Vandoorne started the race in 17th place after qualifying, he showcased impressive driving skills, overtaking 12 cars throughout the race and finishing in 8th place, securing valuable points for the team.
Jean-Éric Vergne expressed his joy, saying, “I am very happy to give the team a win after a difficult three races. We have made great progress as a team, and I will continue to strive for strong performances like today as a driver.”
Meanwhile, Round 5 of the FIA Formula E World Championship Season 9 is scheduled to take place on February 25 (local time) in Cape Town, South Africa.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr