Drivers sound off on Turn One

One of the major talking points of the London e-Prix was the savage bump on the racing line at the first corner, a left-hand kink which caused the cars to bottom out and caused severe damage the floor. After the left-rear suspension of Dragon Racing’s Jerome d’Ambrosio failed at turn one in Saturday’s First Practice session, an emergency meeting was called and a TECPRO barrier installed, reducing the space afforded to drivers. As a result, the first race was started behind the safety car, before resurfacing work overnight allowed race two to be ran as normal.

Most of the drivers defended the event organisers. Debutant Simona de Silvestro is well accustomed to bumpy street circuits from her time in IndyCar, agreed that a change was necessary.

de Silvestro accepted the changes (FIA Formula E).

“In Indycars we usually run on bumpy tracks but definitely the bump at turn one was massive, we wouldn't have been able to run like this, so I think it was really positive that they changed it,” she said. “For sure it could have been a little bit better, but it's the same for everyone.” 

“I think they were probably more worried about the cars more than us!” added NEXTEV-TCR’s Oliver Turvey. “Running on the outside wasn't too bad, the only problem was it was very narrow, so you have no room and if you get any problems you'll hit the wall, but it seemed to work pretty well in the race.” 

Sebastien Buemi also supported the measure after scoring a lights-to-flag victory in race one.

Buemi defended the series organisers (FIA Formula E).

“That's the first time they've had to change the track because of a bump, they've done a great job all season,” he said.

“When we started I was like wow, it was close to rallying because it was so bumpy everywhere, you were sliding all the time,” added Venturi’s Stephane Sarrazin, who took pole for race two once the barrier was removed. “For me it was great, but from a security point of view I fully support what they did. It would have been a bit messy!”

D’Ambrosio was far happier on Sunday once the track was repaired.

“The change is great,” said the Belgian. “I don’t think in my whole career I’ve been in a corner like that, where you hold your breath and you’re not sure what to expect when you go from off-camber to positive camber. It’s a real challenge.”