Vergne happy with Berlin FE podium behind ‘untouchable’ Audis

Jean-Eric Vergne took heart from his run to third place in Saturday’s Berlin E-Prix to extend his points lead at the top of the Formula E drivers’ championship, believing the front-running Audi drivers were “untouchable” in the battle for victory.

Vergne qualified and finished third in Berlin for Techeetah, gaining the position back after a close battle with Sebastien Buemi through the second stint of the race, having also passed Oliver Turvey for position.

Vergne took the chequered flag more than 12 seconds behind race winner Daniel Abt, who headed up a one-two finish for Audi ahead of teammate Lucas di Grassi. Despite failing to challenge for victory in Berlin, Vergne was nevertheless happy with how his weekend went.

“It has been an amazing day and a fantastic weekend. Last year this circuit was one of the toughest for our team, so we had to manage our expectations going into this round,” Vergne said.

“I am so happy with the result, P3 is great points for the championship. Audi were untouchable today, but I know how it feels to win your home race, so well done to Daniel.

“Every E-Prix makes us stronger as a team and I’m already excited for our next race.”

Vergne heads into the third-to-last race of the season in Zurich on June 10 with a 40-point advantage at the top of the drivers’ championship, meaning victory from pole position would be enough to clinch his maiden Formula E title.