Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website Formula E - The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV2 combines high performance with longevity in the Eternal City
april 15, 2018 - Michelin Motorsport

Formula E - The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV2 combines high performance with longevity in the Eternal City

The inaugural Rome E-Prix attracted a plethora of VIPs, celebrities and guests from the world ofpolitics who, like the spectators present in the packed grandstands, were treated to one of themost entertaining races in FIA Formula-E history.The undulating circuit, which twisted through the streets of the Italian capital’s busy EUR district,provided a challenging arena for the 20 all-electric single-seater #racing cars which were able tocompetein clear conditions. The sky waspartially-covered,the track temperature did not exceed38°C,andthe MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV2gaveits own contribution to the afternoon’s spectacle.Felix Rosenqvist (Mahindra Racing) hit the ground running to chalk up his third pole-position of theseason, six-tenths of a second clear of #sambird (DS Virgin Racing). The Swede then used his gridadvantage to appear in front at lights out, chased by Bird who seemed to be the only driver capableof matching the Mahindra youngster’s paceup to the mid-point car changes.On Lap 16, as the front-runners were preparing to pit to swap their respective single-seaters, the trackwas blocked by a tangle involving Mortara, Heidfeld, Piquet and Filippi. The incident failed to influencethe order at the front, though, and everyone managed to pit to switch to fresh machinery.As the early part of the race’s second half unfolded, the positions at the top remained unchanged, butAlex Lynn (DS Virgin Racing) overshot a turn and his car came to a stop ina delicate spot, promptingRace Control to declare a brief Full Course Yellow period.On Lap 22, Rosenqvist’s dreams of Rome glory were dashed when he was forced to park up withrear-left suspension damage. The Swede’s troubles handed top spot to Bird whoenjoyed an enviablecushion at that point, although New Zealander Mitch Evans (Panasonic Jaguar Racing) was doing hisutmost to close the gap. With five laps remaining, however, Bird’s most pressing chasers were thecharging Di Grassi (Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler) and Lotterer (Techeetah).Leaving his opponents to scrap for podium honours, Bird held firm to take the day’s win and he wasjoinedfor the podium celebrations byDi Grassi and Lotterer.“The Rome E-Prix turned out to be an exceptional event, bothon and off the track,” commentedSergeGrisin, the manager of Michelin’s Formula-E programme. “The work of the championship’s organisersin close collaboration with the local authorities paid off handsomely. The circuit, which was very fastin places, provided numerous overtaking opportunities, while the #michelin Pilot Sport EV2performed faultlessly and made a real contribution to the action, including at the very end of the racewhich was particularly entertaining at the front of the field”.

Further information in the press release to download

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