FE points leader Vergne not feeling added pressure

Formula E points leader Jean-Eric Vergne insists he is not feeling any added pressure about leading the driver’s championship heading into this weekend’s race in Mexico City. 

Vergne led Techeetah teammate Andre Lotterer home in a historic one-two finish for the team last time out in Santiago, a result which propelled the Chinese squad to the top of the teams’ championship and Vergne the drivers’.

But following his second Formula E victory, the Frenchman is refusing to get carried away with early thoughts of a potential title charge with the 2017/2018 season yet to reach its half-way mark.

“I don’t feel any additional pressure going into this round as championship leader,” Vergne said. “For me, it’s always one race at the time, no matter where in the standings I am. 

“It’s still a long way to go in the championship, all drivers and teams in this championship are highly skilled and the competition is fierce. 

“The whole team has been working really hard to come as prepared as possible so that we can continue to fight at the front.”

It is the first time Techeetah has led either championship standings, having finished fifth in its debut campaign during 2016/17.

“We never thought that we would be championship leaders this early in our Formula E campaign,” Vergne added. “We have only been around for one season and now four races.

“Needless to say, we’re extremely happy about it and it’s thanks to the incredible team that we have behind us.”

For Formula E newcomer Lotterer, a first podium in finish in Chile marked a turnaround following a tough start to life in the all-electric series. 

“Having my first Formula E podium only four races into my rookie season was great but I think the overall performance in Santiago is what I’m really pleased with. 

“We knew it was going to take some time for me to get used to the car and the set-up of the series, and I feel like it all came together in Chile. 

“I had good pace in both the practice sessions and topped the qualifying session before super pole.”

The German is confident he can now be a consistent performer towards the front of the grid, adding he is looking forward to the “fun challenge” of this weekend’s race in Mexico. 

“Even though there’s still some fine-tuning to do, I feel a lot more confident in the car now and I feel ready to start chasing the front pack together with Jean-Éric.

“Mexico will be a new track and a new challenge for me. Quite a lot of the other drivers have got previous Formula E experience on this track but I don’t see that as problem, I see it as a fun challenge. 

“Jean-Éric and the team have raced here before which helps a lot in terms of prep. I’m really looking forward to driving the track, it looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun.”