Start spreading the news, they're racing today! Yes it's the New York E-Prix; so good they race here twice. It's also the championship show down between Jean Eric Vergne and Sam Bird. In what is horrendous poor planning for a start up sport that needs all the viewers it can get, the final probable championship deciding race will take place on Sunday at the exact same time as the world cup final. The race on the Saturday also has it issues in the UK as it clashes with the England game. Sometimes this sport doesn't help itself. Oh well I guess that's what TVO was invented for.
JEV is the overwhelming favourite for the title going into the weekend and on balance probably the driver very much deserving the title. We all know deserving doesn't mean much. Last time out in Switzerland JEV claims he has the best Formula E race he'd ever done, however a whole host of penalties for drivers under the safety car meant he was shuffled down the order and Bird gained ground on him. Vergne described the penalties as 'very covenient for Formula E' and left it at that. Since that took place JEV won the LMP2 catogry at Le Mans...........only to be DQ'd after it finished. They say things come in 3's but let's hope not for JEV's sake.
What of Sam Bird? Well it's going to an uphill struggle where he basically needs to win both races. Fortunately for Birdy he did exactly that at New York last year. Yes Sam Bird is currently the undisputed King of New York (cue that Fun Lovin Criminals song), however Sam has pointed out that they have changed the circuit this year and he claims it will not suit his DS Virgin car as much. Sam Bird is one of those blokes its very hard not to like and cheer on so if he does take the title I think nearly all will be happy for him. I'd love to see him do it but I think the gap is too far.
This E-Prix marks the end of an era for Formula E as we say goodbye to the Gen 1 car that has given us such good action. It will also be the last time we see car changes in Formula E which no one will miss. We will miss the EDAMS team though who will disappear off the grid to be replaced by their sister outfit Nissan next year. They take with them Nico Prost who no one will miss in the slightest. It looks like the end of the electric journey for a few actually as its suggested Nick Heidfd won't be back which is a shame. Also Alex Lynn could be on his way out which is no big surprise as he has been completely useless this season.
For what it's worth I expect bumper to bumper action with Audi winning the races and JEV winning the title. I have been very wrong in the past though.
JEV is the overwhelming favourite for the title going into the weekend and on balance probably the driver very much deserving the title. We all know deserving doesn't mean much. Last time out in Switzerland JEV claims he has the best Formula E race he'd ever done, however a whole host of penalties for drivers under the safety car meant he was shuffled down the order and Bird gained ground on him. Vergne described the penalties as 'very covenient for Formula E' and left it at that. Since that took place JEV won the LMP2 catogry at Le Mans...........only to be DQ'd after it finished. They say things come in 3's but let's hope not for JEV's sake.
What of Sam Bird? Well it's going to an uphill struggle where he basically needs to win both races. Fortunately for Birdy he did exactly that at New York last year. Yes Sam Bird is currently the undisputed King of New York (cue that Fun Lovin Criminals song), however Sam has pointed out that they have changed the circuit this year and he claims it will not suit his DS Virgin car as much. Sam Bird is one of those blokes its very hard not to like and cheer on so if he does take the title I think nearly all will be happy for him. I'd love to see him do it but I think the gap is too far.
This E-Prix marks the end of an era for Formula E as we say goodbye to the Gen 1 car that has given us such good action. It will also be the last time we see car changes in Formula E which no one will miss. We will miss the EDAMS team though who will disappear off the grid to be replaced by their sister outfit Nissan next year. They take with them Nico Prost who no one will miss in the slightest. It looks like the end of the electric journey for a few actually as its suggested Nick Heidfd won't be back which is a shame. Also Alex Lynn could be on his way out which is no big surprise as he has been completely useless this season.
For what it's worth I expect bumper to bumper action with Audi winning the races and JEV winning the title. I have been very wrong in the past though.