Renault e.dams concluded this week’s official Formula E pre-season testing at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia in positive style as the Renault Z.E.17 continued to show consistent pace and reliability.
The main objective of the team across the three days was to accumulate laps and data to test the systems and the power of the new Z.E.17. And it was mission accomplished as Sébastien Buemi and Nico Prost completed 414 laps.
Sébastien was the quicker of the team’s drivers today with the fifth fastest lap time during the morning session, a 1:22.247s. Nico was seventh quickest in the morning and sixth in the afternoon session.
The team, drivers and the new Z.E.17 will be back on track for the defence of the Team’s Championship, as season four of Formula E commences in Hong Kong on December 2-3.
Alain Prost, co-owner of the team: “The drivers and engineers have delivered what we wanted so far in this week’s testing. We are now going to analyse all the data we’ve collected. However, the Valencia track is not quite representative of the tracks we are used to racing on in Formula E, therefore it will be more complicated to have significant information. What we know is that the competition is getting tougher. We are confident we can perform in Hong Kong but we will remain careful!”
Jean-Paul Driot, co-owner of the team: “It is the first time that we’ve done testing days in Valencia and, despite different characteristics to a normal Formula E circuit, the three days have allowed us validate technical solutions. Season 4 promises to be very tight and competitive given the gap of timings here. However, we remain confident with the team and our duo of drivers.”
Vincent Gaillardot, FE Program Leader: “At the end of these three days, we carried out all our program ready for the first ePrix. We had to validate all changes made to the season 4 car, as well as the regulatory changes asked by the FIA regarding the increase of the power and control system. The competition is getting closer and closer meaning season 4 promises to be tight. So, rendez-vous in Hong Kong to see the result!”
Sébastien Buemi, #9: “We learned as much as possible on a circuit which is slightly different to what we see in Formula E. It’s not usual to have four cars during testing days so we had the opportunity to run in some pieces for the first ePrix in Hong Kong. I am pleased with these three days, we didn’t have major issues. Today, we were not only focused on the performance of the car, but assessed other areas as well. We are not very far ahead but we know we can fight for good positions. We will remain focused until Hong Kong and see what happens there.”
Nico Prost, #8: “As Sébastien said, the circuit is different from what we are used to in this championship. Nevertheless, we have been efficient during these three days and have been able to learn a lot. We don’t feel a team stands out from the crowd so even if we know the season will be tough, we have our chances to be up near the top. We worked well and we all feel very prepared for Hong Kong.”
