After both cars qualifying on the second row of the grid in Hong Kong, DS Virgin Racing came away without scoring points which is why the team is determined to demonstrate their true potential in Marrakesh.
DS Virgin Racing’s José María López is an experienced Marrakesh driver. “I’ve raced and won here three times before with the WTCC,” he explained. The simulator test revealed that the top achievable speed for a Formula E car is 210 km/h, faster than WTCC’s 205 km/h.
Photo: SpaceSuit Media/ Shivraj Gohil
A further guarantor for action are the track’s characteristic. “It was a touch narrow. But then again, a Formula E car takes up less room than a WTCC car, so it should be a good fight,” López added. The team’s Moroccan experience isn’t limited to its drivers. The engineers also have a history of racing and winning in Marrakech and are confident this will give DS Virgin Racing an edge.
The biggest challenge for Marrakech will be tactical battery preservation – something that Sam Bird displayed masterfully during Hong Kong, leading the pack for several laps before the car change. “Let’s put points on the board,” Bird made a clear declaration before the upcoming race in three days time.
