Andretti team makes gains in Miami
With no Friday shakedown at the fifth round of the all-electric racing series, the 10 teams took to the 2.17-km circuit for the first time during a shortened practice this morning. Featuring eight corners, a number of long straights and 90-degree corners, the track carved its way around the American Airlines Arena and sported a unique pit lane mid-way round the lap at Turn 6.
Scott took part in the second of the four qualifying sessions at lunch time, but was blocked on his hot lap to only finish up in a disappointing P11 and later started from the 10th position following a penalty given to a competitor. JEV clinched the team’s second pole position of the season while in session three and held on to the top spot until the checkered flag.
From the front row of the grid for the Miami ePrix this afternoon, JEV produced a very strong first stint. However, a slow car-change due to a technical issue dropped him back to fourth place in the running, and while focusing on trying to reach the end on the energy target, the Frenchman dropped back further and ultimately concluded his race prematurely following a brake lock-up.
Scott had a thrilling inaugural ePrix; a coming together at the start caused him front wing damage, a superbly executed pitstop ensured he made up several positions followed by a succession of overtaking manoeuvres and power usage that afforded him the team’s second runner’s up podium and trophy finish of the season.
Roger Griffiths, Team Principal, Andretti Formula-E Team
“We are extremely pleased to finish in second place with Scott Speed at the first of two home races for us. Despite extremely limited running in the car, he adapted quickly to the unique challenge of electric car racing. This backed up a fantastic performance from JEV with our second pole position of the season, although unfortunately his race finish was not a reflection of the true speed of the car. We hope that the fans here in Miami enjoyed their first taste of Formula E with an exciting race, and we look forward to the second event in North America out on the west coast."
Scott Speed, No. 28 Spark-Renault SRT_01E
– The only American driver racing at the inaugural Miami Formula E event
– Captured a second-place finish for his debut in the all-electric racing series
"Unfortunately I got blocked in qualifying which really set us back, but the technology of having to save [energy] makes it possible for the strategy to make it back. Andretti’s obviously got an extremely fast car and I think having Michael [Andretti] on the radio calling the race for us, together with me, we were able to work really great together and we played the strategy better than anyone else."
Jean-Eric Vergne, No. 27 Spark-Renault SRT_01E
– Clinched the FanBoost win for the third consecutive race
– Secured his second pole position in three races for the team but came away P18
“Getting another pole position is a great achievement. During the race we had a problem in the pitstop which cost us a lot of positions, and then I couldn't keep enough battery for the end of the race. There is still a lot of work to do as we need to finish in a strong position, but congratulations to the team and Scott on his podium."