Jean-Eric Vergne: “Need more time”

The possibility of seeing Jean-Eric Vergne (Techeetah) titled after the first race in New York was possible but remained very complicated due to the result of qualifying. Provisional best time in the first round of qualifying, the Frenchman had his times canceled for having exceeded the maximum authorized power of 200 kW.

Relegated to the back of the grid, the matter therefore seemed difficult, but the performances of the car from Mark Preston's stable and the mastery of Vergne will work wonders in the race. Quickly returned in the wake of his last rival Sam Bird (DS Virgin Racing), the former driver F1 will make its way up to fifth position, a result sufficient to take the much-hoped-for crown.

The conclusion of a season where Vergne combined performance and consistency (only one result outside the top 5 in Switzerland). " I can not believe it. What a crazy ride, god it feels good! comments Vergne.

Really, I have no idea what it means for me to be champion. I need more time to integrate it. All I know is it's a great feeling.

I guess there's still racing tomorrow because I can't completely relax. I can't go crazy tonight, so Sunday night, when this is all over...I'll be able to fully enjoy it. »

Techeetah will indeed play for the Manufacturers' title this evening during the second race against the Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler, which achieved the double yesterday in race 1 with Lucas di Grassi and Daniel Abt. For his part, Jean-Eric Vergne recognizes that yesterday's round was not the easiest.

“I enjoyed the race, but obviously it was very difficult, analyzes the Frenchman. Some drivers were quite harsh and too forceful trying not to let me pass. It was really very complicated, a real fight unlike in Zurich – today, the pilots were more combative! »

Vergne also had a thought for Jules Bianchi, who died in 2015 after his terrible accident in October 2014 at Suzuka, during the Japanese Grand Prix.

Emotional moment ace @JeanEricVergne dedicates his championship win to his old friend, @Jules_Bianchi # JB17 pic.twitter.com/zQg00cHgzW

- ABB Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 14, 2018