Formula E Hot News

Andretti Formula E-Team, Bejing ePrix, Race Report

Brian Carroccio

Formula E made its long awaited debut earlier today in Bejing.

Andretti Formula-E Team is leading the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship after a second-place podium for No. 27 driver Franck Montagny and a superb fourth from fellow countryman Charles Pic in the No. 28 Spark – Renault SRT_01 E challenger in Beijing, People's Republic of China.

The one-day event, comprising two practice outings, four qualifying sessions and a 50-minute race around the bespoke city street circuit (3.453m), made for an exhilarating maiden spectacle in the new electric series.

Michael Andretti, Team Owner, Andretti Formula-E Team

"Congratulations to Alejandro (Agag) on an event that was an overwhelming success. I'm very proud to be able to be a part of this exciting new series and to help shape the future of motorsport. Franck (Montagny) and Charles (Pic) did a great job and I'm happy to come away from the event leading the team championship."

Franck Montagny

Franck Montagny, No. 27 Spark-Renault SRT_01 E

  • Qualified fifth and started eighth after being assessed a three-place grid penalty for twice crossing the white line on pit exit
  • Posted his fastest time of the race on Lap 24 of the 25-lap race at 1:46.640 with a speed of 150.3 Kph
  • Stood on the podium for the inaugural Beijing ePrix with a second-place finish
  • Earned 18 points towards the FIA Formula E drivers' championship

"I would like to say thank you to the organizers of the Formula E series, because it really was a fantastic day. I have driven many different cars in many different series and I have to say that this is one of my best times in a car! The team has done a fantastic job, at testing and here in Beijing. Andretti Formula-E is an American team, based in Donington, UK, so it is not easy to start a team in a different country and everyone did very well. My teammate and I work well together and I had really, really good fun."

Charles Pic

Charles Pic, No. 28 Spark-Renault SRT_01 E

  • Started today's race from the seventh grid position
  • Record his fastest lap on Lap 23 of 25 with a time of 1:46.730 at a speed of 150.2 Kph
  • Came to the checkered flag in the fifth position, but was moved to fourth after a penalty assessed to ABT Formula E Team driver Daniel Abt
  • Earned 12 driver points towards the championship

"It was a good race. I had an issue on the first lap and small contact with Franck (Montagny), but after that the pace in the race was okay. Considering I had one day of testing with the team, I am very happy with the result we had today. The pace was not as good as the winner and we need to work on that for the next races, but I think that we have made a very good start."

Andretti Autosport PR