Motorsport TechnologyWith 30 days remaining until the start of Season 7 of the ABB Formula E championship proper, ROKiT Venturi Racing’s Erhan Jajovski led from pole to flag to win the Formula E: Accelerate opener around the virtual streets of New York.
As with the real thing, 24 drivers representing every team in the field took to their simulators, but it was Jajovski who took pole in the single lap qualifying before stamping his authority on the race, defending his advantage into the opening corner.
From then on, Jajovski was a hunted man, fending off a spirited mid-race challenge from Race at Home Challenge champion Kevin Siggy, and a final lap assault from Manuel Biancolilla (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler) and Siggy (BMW i Andretti Motorsport), who dropped back to third.
There's nothing like an intense THREE CAR BATTLE for the podium with just seconds of the race left ⚡️#FEAccelerate pic.twitter.com/04otPVe8nf
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) January 28, 2021
“That was the most intense qualifying and race session I’ve ever had,” said Jajovski. “After the online qualifiers, we knew that the gaps across the field would be small, but to secure pole position in the first race is a fantastic feeling. My race was all about the start and I knew that if I was able to defend up to Turn 4, I would be in a good position.
“That’s exactly what happened. I was able to open up a small gap but all of the fighting behind played into my advantage. Lorenz was looking strong and it’s a shame he got into some trouble on the first lap. I’m grateful for the team’s support and I hope we can maintain this form into Round 2.”
Fraser Masefield