Jean-Eric Vergne wins action-packed Formula E in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The seasoned Jean Eric Vergne of DS Penske won an action-packed Formula E in Hyderabad on Saturday. This marked a successful return of a high-profile motorsport event in India. Vergne held off a strong challenge from Envison Racing's Nick Cassidy to cross the chequered flag in the first place despite having less than 0.5% energy left in the car. 

Antonio Felix Da Costa of Porsche gained from a 17-second penalty handed out to Sebastian Buemi for 'over power' to secure the final spot on the podium.

           

Earlier, Sports minister Anurag Singh Thakur turned up for the inaugural. Telangana IT Minister K Tarakarama Rao was also present.

           

Mahindra Racing, in their first home race, recovered from an ordinary qualifying session earlier in the day to seal a points finish via Oliver Rowland. Rowland finished sixth from 10th on the grid while di Grassi came 14th from 17th on the grid. Loss of energy in the final moments



of the race cost Mahindra a double points finish.

         

Jake Hughes' crash on lap on Lap 23 brought out the safety car, contributing to a thrilling finish. Mitch Evans of Jaguar Racing bagged the pole position but a collision with his teammate Sam Bird on Lap 13 effectively endows the race for the Tata Group-owned team.

           

Race winner Vergne said he is so happy for the team and it has been a very difficult three races. He said he could not be more proud of his team because they never gave up. He said they have a good car, may be not best at the moment but they never give up and keep working hard.  

           

A sizeable crowd turned up to watch the electric cars vrooming around the heart of the city, covering Hussain Sagar Lake, NTR Gardens and NTR Park. The other special guests included star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal.