
Formula-E | Vergne wins Hyderabad E-Prix, Mahindra earns points in home race
The Hindu
Mahindra Racing, in their first home race, recovered from an ordinary qualifying session to seal a points finish at the first Hyderabad E-Prix
The seasoned Jean Eric Vergne of DS Penske won an action-packed Hyderabad E-Prix here on Saturday, marking a successful return of a high-profile motorsport event in India.
The 33-lap electric race had thrills both on and off the track.
The organisers raced against time to get the Hyderadbad Street Circuit ready for Formula E's debut in India but in the end, they pulled off the event amid a lot of fanfare.
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.
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.