Sébastien Buemi Triumphs at Monaco E-Prix as the Series Sees Its First Double Header
The Swiss driver secures his place in the history books with a commanding performance across two days of racing in Monaco.
Sébastien Buemi has claimed victory in the Monaco E-Prix, marking a significant achievement in his racing career.
This event, notable for being the first double-header in the history of the Formula E series since its inception about a decade ago, featured two races over the weekend, with Buemi winning the second race following a competitive Saturday.
During the first race, Oliver Rowland emerged as the winner, capitalizing on the challenging conditions during the event.
Rain affected the track, creating an unpredictable racing environment.
Rowland managed to secure pole position despite a mishap during qualifying.
However, during the race, Buemi and other competitors navigated the conditions effectively, with Buemi eventually finishing ahead of Rowland in the second race held on Sunday.
In a dramatic turn of events, Rowland, having performed well on Saturday, faced challenges but maintained a strong presence.
Throughout Sunday, Buemi displayed exceptional skill and strategy.
The race witnessed increased excitement as various drivers, including Nyck de Vries from Mahindra, made notable advances in their positions.
Buemi's win comes after a significant hiatus from victories in Formula E, having last achieved this feat in New York in 2019. At 36 years old, he is now a recognized competitor at the Monaco circuit, having already secured multiple wins in previous editions of the E-Prix.
After securing his victory, Buemi commented on the difficulty of the race and the skill required to adapt to the changing track conditions.
He expressed gratitude for the team's performance and timely strategies that contributed to the win.
The weekend's events attracted a strong turnout, with reported attendance figures reaching approximately 35,000 across both days.
This figure includes spectators who had free access to fan zones.
Event officials expressed satisfaction at the strong public interest and the successful execution of the back-to-back races.
Pablo Martino, head of Formula E at the FIA, echoed these sentiments, noting the collaborative effort between the Automobile Club of Monaco and Formula E, which allowed for a diverse racing spectacle.
Officials highlighted that the dual-format provided a unique experience for fans and helped maintain high levels of engagement throughout.
The atmosphere was festive despite the rainfall, with attendees appreciating the electric racing atmosphere.
Commentary during the races was well-received and contributed to the excitement.
The successful execution of this double-header race format raises anticipation for future events and whether similar arrangements will be made for the following season.