Montreal ePrix preview
The final rounds of Formula E's third season take place in Montreal this weekend. Four drivers are in technically in contention for the drivers' championship, but all eyes will be on the battle between Renault's Sébastien Buemi and Abt Schaeffler Audi's Lucas di Grassi.
Both drivers have become involved in a war of words over the past few days. Buemi accused di Grassi of lacking confidence and warning the Brazilian to keep his distance in the race. Di Grassi hit back, suggesting his rival had a problem coping with pressure.
The double-header event this weekend leaves little room for error. Di Grassi has struggled with consistency during qualifying, although is capable of making up places during the race itself. Buemi, meanwhile, is more used to starting towards the front of the grid and building a commanding lead from there. With three bonus points awarded for starting on pole, a good performance in the qualifying sessions will be vital for both drivers.
Felix Rosenqvist has had a very impressive season for Mahindra. But for him to turn his 104 points into a championship-winning total would need both drivers ahead of him in the table to have a disastrous weekend and for him to take both chequered flags. Similarly, DS Virgin Racing's Sam Bird has the narrowest of outside chances, with his points tally of 100.
An agreement between Formula E and WEC should also see an end to clashes between the two series' events next year. Sébastien Buemi and DS Virgin's José María López both make a return from drives in the endurance championship to race this weekend.
Both drivers have become involved in a war of words over the past few days. Buemi accused di Grassi of lacking confidence and warning the Brazilian to keep his distance in the race. Di Grassi hit back, suggesting his rival had a problem coping with pressure.
The double-header event this weekend leaves little room for error. Di Grassi has struggled with consistency during qualifying, although is capable of making up places during the race itself. Buemi, meanwhile, is more used to starting towards the front of the grid and building a commanding lead from there. With three bonus points awarded for starting on pole, a good performance in the qualifying sessions will be vital for both drivers.
Road to victory
Sébastien Buemi currently tops the standings with 157 points. Lucas di Grassi is only ten behind, on 147. A race victory for either driver on Saturday will almost certainly leave their rival needing a win on Sunday, assuming they have placed well enough to still be in the running.Felix Rosenqvist has had a very impressive season for Mahindra. But for him to turn his 104 points into a championship-winning total would need both drivers ahead of him in the table to have a disastrous weekend and for him to take both chequered flags. Similarly, DS Virgin Racing's Sam Bird has the narrowest of outside chances, with his points tally of 100.
Thrilling finale
The first ever Montreal ePrix circuit looks set to provide plenty of entertainment, with several fast, long straights and sharp turns. It will also host next season's final weekend of racing, retaining it's place on a calendar that will feature several more new cities and tracks.An agreement between Formula E and WEC should also see an end to clashes between the two series' events next year. Sébastien Buemi and DS Virgin's José María López both make a return from drives in the endurance championship to race this weekend.
