DS Virgin Racing targets points for both drivers in Long Beach ePrix

As DS Virgin Racing enter the second half of the Formula E season, Team Principal Alex Tai is keen to maintain focus at the Long Beach ePrix and is looking for a strong performance from both drivers Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne.

As Formula E prepares to take centre stage in Los Angeles, California, DS Virgin Racing is coming to the home of its sister companies Virgin Galactic and Virgin America and also that of its Premium Partner Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

The team have several podiums and a win to their name but are looking to aggressively challenge the top three teams. At 1.32 miles and featuring seven turns, the Formula E cars will race a modified configuration of the iconic Long Beach street circuit, previously used for Formula 1, CART, Champ Car and IndyCar races.

The Long Beach ePrix is going to be a good one, the team is more determined than ever...

Sam Bird

Back in 2015 it was at this track that Jean-Eric Vergne delivered his best result in Formula E, after finishing a close second to eventual race winner Nelson Piquet Jr. After a difficult race in Mexico Vergne is now more determined than ever to show off his capabilities on a track he previously excelled at: “I know I can do well on this track. Last year Long Beach was a great race for me and although some changes have been made to the track, there are still strong similarities. I did well in qualifying in Mexico and I plan to repeat that in Long Beach, I want a podium.”

In 4th place overall DS Virgin Racing is in a strong position but will be looking to move up the team leaderboard to challenge the top 3 before the season is over. Team Principal Alex Tai has done the math and has high hopes for the remainder of Season II: “As a Team we are capable of better results than our last outing in Mexico. Here in L.A. we must raise our game again and maintain focus. I am driving the team to ensure that both sides of the garage produce the results that we are capable of. As the season moves into its second half and prepares for a return to Europe its important for DS Virgin Racing to bring back a result and stay in contention at the top of the championship.”

The team’s British driver Sam Bird, currently 3rd overall in the driver standings and proud owner of the 1st place trophy from the recent Buenos Aires ePrix, believes that there is always room for improvement but is optimistic ahead of next week’s race: “The key is not making mistakes. I don’t believe our performance in Mexico is representative of what our team can do. The Long Beach ePrix is going to be a good one, the team is more determined than ever and I can’t wait to drive the DSV-01 in anger – I feel like she’s ready for another podium. I also won a Fanboost at last year’s race so it holds good memories. I know the team is planning some surprises in this area for Long Beach and hope that fans will once again get behind us”.

DS Virgin