Prost triumphs in first US Formula E race

The first Formula E race to be held in the USA saw Nico Prost triumph at the end of a duel that had the 20,000-strong crowd spellbound right up to the very end. The streets of Miami were packed, with tickets everywhere sold out, while millions of fans around the world watched on TV, computer or smartphone.

Prost is the fifth different winner in this maiden Formula E season: his name can be added to the list of Lucas Di Grassi (Beijing), Sam Bird (Putrajaya), Sebastien Buemi (Punta del Este) and Antonio Felix da Costa (Buenos Aires). Making the Frenchman’s day even more special was the podium ceremony: handing him his trophy was a “rival” in the form of Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, while up there to take the team award was the victor’s father Alain.

A delay in getting the track completed created some early anxiety and meant that the two free practice sessions were delayed and run as one 30-minute session, but once that was sorted out, it was time for the show to go on. In qualifying, another Frenchman, Jean-Eric Vergne took the top spot he led the pack away into what would be a thrilling 39-lap race.

A major contender in the Miami ePrix was the aptly-named local hero, Scott Speed. The American, driving for the Andretti team, was making his debut in the series.  After a difficult qualifying saw him start from the fifth row, he staged a great climb up the order, thanks to a well-executed strategy of energy management and some brave overtakes. First he got past Daniel Abt and then, he chased Prost right down to the final metre of the very last lap to finish in second place. Daniel Abt finished third for his first podium place this season.

After the excitement of Miami, Formula E continues its American journey. The sixth ePrix of the season will take place on 4 April at Long Beach, California.