By: DS Virgin Racing
February 24 2018
All-electric Formula E series returns to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit for round five on Saturday, March 3
After one of their strongest starts to a Formula E season, DS Virgin Racing are once again in action as they continue their Latin America tour with the Mexico City E-Prix on March 3.
Held at the famous Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit in the Mexico capital, the team’s all-British driving pairing of Sam Bird and Alex Lynn will be aiming high – quite literally – at the 2.093km circuit with it being the highest on the calendar at 2,200m (7,218ft) above sea level. They’ll also be hitting speeds of up to 210kph as they tackle the 17-turn track over 47 laps.
Bird, who finished third during last year’s race, will be hoping to replicate this and continue his strongest ever start to a season where he currently lies in third place in the drivers’ standings. Meanwhile, team-mate Lynn will be hoping to bounce back from last month’s race in Santiago where mechanical issues forced him to retire – ending his run of scoring points in every race to date. As for the teams’ championship, DS Virgin Racing currently occupy third spot in the closely fought battle.
This year also marks the third running of event and will have a special significance with Formula E donating all profits from the race to the post-earthquake reconstruction efforts in Mexico City. In addition, the DSV-03 together with all Formula E cars will be sporting the hashtag #FuerzaMexico in support.
Sam Bird said: “It’s always great to be racing in Mexico as it’s a great circuit with some of the best fans in the world. Last time out we finished on the podium and we’ve shown strong pace all season so hopefully we can perform well this time round.”
Alex Lynn said: “The last race was really frustrating for us but that’s racing and for sure we’ll put that behind us and look to do the best job we can in Mexico. It will be another new track for me, so we’ve been working hard in the simulator to fine tune everything and ensure we’re in the best possible shape.”
DS Virgin Racing Team Principal Alex Tai commented: “Mexico is always a fantastic event, largely due to the amazing fans which last year tallied more than 35,000. I’m sure this year will be just as atmospheric and it’s great that we can help support the post-earthquake reconstruction efforts. As always, we’ll head to Mexico looking to come away with a strong points haul and continue our fight for both the drivers’ and the teams’ championship.”
DS Performance Director Xavier Mestelan Pinon added: “The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez track is really quick and we know from the previous years it will be really difficult to overtake. Qualifying will be particularly crucial. The high temperature will also be an important point to manage for the team, with high speed and altitude, component cooling will be an important point to look after.”
Formula E Mexico E-Prix - Time table
Round 5: Saturday, March 3 (local time // GMT-6hrs)
08:00-08:45 Free Practice 1
10:30-11:00 Free Practice 2
12:00-12:36 Qualifying
12:45-13:00 Superpole
16:00 Race (47 laps)
TV Coverage
Live on Eurosport from 22:00 GMT
Live on 5Spike from 21:30 GMT
About DS Virgin Racing
The DS Virgin Racing Formula E Team is one of the founding and leading outfits in the FIA Formula E Championship – the world’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series.
Headed up by Team Principal Alex Tai and with the continued support of Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson, the team works in partnership with French luxury car manufacturer DS Automobiles, collaborating together in order to power innovation.
The team’s commercial headquarters are based in London, whilst it’s operational arm is centred at new state-of-the-art facilities at Silverstone, both overlapping with DS Automobiles’ facilities in Satory, France – part of the PSA Group’s Centre of Excellence.
Now in its fourth season, the team remains one of the most successful on the grid securing 6 wins ad 15 podiums and remains the only team to have recorded victories in every Formula E season to date.
Meanwhile, Virgin Group is a leading international investment group and one of the world's most recognised and respected brands. Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow successful businesses in sectors including mobile telephony, travel & transportation, financial services, leisure & entertainment and health & wellness.
For further information visit www.ds-virginracing.com
About DS AUTOMOBILES
A French brand born in Paris, DS was founded in June 2014. Its ambition is to embody the French know-how of luxury in its cars. Driven by its outstanding heritage and avant-garde spirit, DS perpetuates the values of innovation and distinction inherited from the first DS, launched in 1955.
Designed for customers looking for a means to express themselves as individuals, the DS Collection comprises DS 3, DS 3 CABRIO, DS 4, DS 4 CROSSBACK, DS 4S, DS 5, DS 5LS, DS 6 and completed with DS 7 CROSSBACK. The models in the DS range stand apart through their avant-garde design, refinement and attention to detail, advanced technology and dynamic serenity.
Presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, DS 7 CROSSBACK, the SUV by DS featuring Parisian-style innovation and savoir-faire, ushers in the second generation of DS models. With the DS 7 CROSSBACK La Première limited edition model, forward thinkers can reserve their car online or at a DS Store or DS Salon, and be the first to get behind the wheel. Committed to high-performance hybrid and electric cars, the Brand will launch the DS 7 CROSSBACK equipped with E-Tense, the hybrid powertrain by DS, in 2019.
DS models are available from DS Stores, DS Salons and a selection of other dedicated spaces within the Citroën network. DS also has a flagship store, DS WORLD PARIS. DS represents a brand experience that goes beyond the products to include ONLY YOU, a collection of exclusive services showcased at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
Follow all DS news on www.DSautomobiles.com // @DS_OfficialFollow
About the FIA Formula E Championship
The FIA Formula E Championship is the world’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series, competing on the streets against the backdrop of some of the most iconic cities - including Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Paris, Berlin and New York. The championship represents a vision for the future of the motor industry, serving as a platform to showcase the latest innovations in electric vehicle technology and alternative energy solutions. Future seasons will see the regulations open up further allowing manufacturers to focus on the development of motor and battery components, which in turn will filter down to everyday contemporary electric road vehicles.
For more information visit www.fiaformulae.com