Renault e.dams still looking to execute “perfect day” after Paris disappointment 

The Renault e.dams Formula E squad is still looking to “put together a perfect” following its disappointing result at the Paris E-Prix, according to programme manager Vincent Gaillardot. 

Sebastian Buemi finished a low-key fifth in Paris while teammate Nicholas Prost suffered early damage and struggled to 16th around the Circuit des Invalides. The result leaves Buemi fourth in the drivers’ standings and 77 points adrift of championship leader Jean-Eric Vergne, who extended his points advantage with his third victory of the 2017/2018 campaign at his home event.

Prost has managed just three points finishes so far this season and sits 18th in the championship. Renault e.dams has enjoyed a clean sweep of Formula E teams’ titles since the series’ inception, but languishes in sixth and over 100 points behind current leaders Techeetah having failed to win a race in the opening eight races. 

“After our disappointing first outing in Rome where we obviously lacked performance, we did a lot of work analysing and understanding the situation to arrive in Paris with high hopes,” Gaillardot said. 

“Competition is incredibly tough and it’s getting closer and closer as Seb missed the SuperPole by less than 2/1000th of-a- second. From that moment on the rest of the day was compromised. 

“We’re still trying to put together a perfect day without making mistakes and optimising every parameter. We know that the performance is there. We have to continue working so that our drivers are full of confidence to get back on the road to the podium.”

Buemi revealed his race was thwarted by set-up issues in his second car as the season two champion saw his winless streak extend to 10 races since the 2017 Berlin E-Prix. 

“The race got off to a great start as I gained two places on the first lap. After that my pace was good and our out-of-sync strategy – like Di Grassi’s who finished second – looked promising. 

“On the other hand, the second stint was trickier as my setup wasn’t ideal. I couldn’t get the car to do what I wanted and I remained stuck behind Engel. 

“Abt got past me with the help of his fan boost and then I repassed him on the last lap. We made light contact and I finished fifth. While it’s not really satisfactory I can take away some positives.”