Monaco’s Di Grassi crowned Formula E champion

Photo: Facebook Lucas Di Grassi
Photo: Facebook Lucas Di Grassi

At the inaugural Hydro-Québec Montreal ePrix on Sunday, July 30, Monaco resident Lucas Di Grassi claimed the Formula E world title after a “calamitous weekend” for defending champion Sebastien Buemi.

Speaking about the hilly 2.75-kilometre, 14-turn street circuit, Di Grassi, who won the inaugural electric race in Beijing in 2014, commented: “It’s probably one of the best tracks in Formula E history so I think everyone is pleased.”

The Abt Audi driver went into Sunday’s final with a six-point lead after taking 25 points for the win and another three for pole position. Renault’s Buemi picked up 12 for finishing fourth.

Having finished third in the first Formula E season and second last year, after being edged out by Buemi, the Brazilian – who turns 33 on August 11 – was in tears having finally reached the number one position of the podium.

The 2017-18 Formula E season, which kicks off on December 2 in Hong Kong, introduces a more compact schedule, including three double-headers and three new venues – Santiago, Sao Paulo and Rome.

This fourth edition of the world’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series comprises the most races to appear on the calendar since its inception in 2014.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Formula E, said: “It’s exciting news to welcome a number of new host cities on the Formula E calendar, as well as seeing existing locations build on the success of previous events.”

He added, “Formula E is continuing to expand the calendar and the number of cities in key markets, in addition to the growing list of partners and manufacturers joining the electric revolution. Our priority is to consolidate a calendar with long-term agreements with host cities – the schedule for Season 4 is a step in the right direction.”

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