Skip advert
Advertisement
Partnership

FIA Formula E Championship – Moscow ePrix race report

Inside info on the Moscow race

Nelson Piquet Jr. clinched round nine of the 2014/2015 FIA Formula E Championship, the former Renault F1 driver converting his second spot on the grid to a win around the streets of Moscow.

Fine weather attracted a large crowd to the Russian capital’s famous Red Square, a superb setting that contributed much to the success of Moscow’s first ePrix.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The layout and style of the track, which received praise from the drivers, played a role in the race’s magic, too. Imperfections are integral to the character of street venues and add not only to the show, but also to the challenge faced by the drivers, cars and tyres. The scars of repairs, sometimes on the racing line, painted road markings and drain covers, and the general hilly and bumpy nature of the circuit, all contributed to an unpredictable track surface.

Piquet’s (NEXTEV TCR) victory came at the expense of fellow Brazilian Lucas Di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT), with Nick Heidfeld (Venturi) in third. Jean-Eric Vergne, who had qualified in pole position, had to settle for fourth. Sébastien Buemi (e.dams-Renault) had set the pace in both practise sessions, but eventually finished in 9th spot after problems with his pit stop.

“The track in Moscow formed a patchwork of the different surfaces we have come across since the beginning of the championship, although it was perhaps more like Miami than anywhere else,” observed Serge GRISIN, manager of Michelin’s Formula E programme. “The road markings, patches of repaired asphalt, surface changes and drain covers really called for a tyre that was not only competitive but also strong. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV gave further evidence of its ability and the technical data we bring back from the Moscow ePrix tend to confirm the sensation we have had all season that its specification is a match for the job.”

The last two races of the inaugural Formula E calendar will both take place in London on the same weekend: June 27 and June 28. Nelson Piquet Jr. carries a 12-point championship lead into the finale weekend, from Di Grassi and Buemi.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Genesis to take on Ferrari and Toyota at Le Mans
Genesis GMR-001 front
News

Genesis to take on Ferrari and Toyota at Le Mans

Genesis Magma Racing debuts, with the GMR-001 hypercar set to take on Le Mans in 2026
5 Dec 2024
McLaren-Honda MP4/5B: Anatomy of a V10 F1 champion
McLaren MP4/5B front
Features

McLaren-Honda MP4/5B: Anatomy of a V10 F1 champion

McLaren and Honda went the V10 route when F1 returned to natural aspiration. The resulting MP4/5 and MP4/5B were championship-winning titans
24 Nov 2024
Why Lamborghini is quitting its Le Mans fight with Ferrari
Lamborghini Le Mans
News

Why Lamborghini is quitting its Le Mans fight with Ferrari

Lamborghini will not race in the World Endurance Championship in 2025, citing two-car Hypercar mandate in its decision
22 Nov 2024
Mercedes’ 2025 Le Mans return won’t involve an AMG One Hypercar
Mercedes-AMG GT3 evo
News

Mercedes’ 2025 Le Mans return won’t involve an AMG One Hypercar

Upgraded to LMGT3 spec, the AMG GT3 will take Mercedes back to Le Mans for the first time since 1999
20 Nov 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

2025 VED car tax: what you'll be paying
VED car tax 2025
Advice

2025 VED car tax: what you'll be paying

The latest car tax changes explained, including new pricing for EVs and hybrids and increased prices for higher-emission vehicles
3 Jan 2025
Best fast family cars – our favourite fun, practical daily drivers
Best fast family cars
Best cars

Best fast family cars – our favourite fun, practical daily drivers

A family car doesn’t need to be dull – some of our favourite performance models deliver the thrills of a purpose-built sports car
13 Jan 2025
New Subaru WRX S210 STI – the most focused STI has a CVT gearbox
Subaru WRX S210 STI – front
News

New Subaru WRX S210 STI – the most focused STI has a CVT gearbox

Subaru’s WRX S210 STI evokes the spirit of our favourite hot Imprezas, with one major caveat
10 Jan 2025