Preview Montreal ePrix 2017 – The Season Finale

After months of preparation and hard work, this is where everything is decided. Renault e.dams goes into the season finale of the 2016/17 FIA Formula E championship with a dual objective: to take the title in both the teams’ and drivers’ championships.
Renault e.dams is the only team to have scored points at every ePrix this season and therefore has a 65 points lead over ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport. Despite missing the NYC ePrix, Séb Buemi maintains the lead of the drivers’ championship with a 10-point gap over his title rival, Lucas di Grassi. Should Renault e.dams claim the titles, it will be a third consecutive team win for the French squad and a second for the Swiss driver, after he won his inaugural Formula E title last year by just one point, over Di Grassi, who again was his closest championship contender.
Located along the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, the 2,745km track will cross René-Lévesque Boulevard and Berri, Notre-Dame, Saint-Antoine, Viger and Papineau streets. With 14 turns, the circuit promises to be a challenging one. Once again, there are two races over the weekend: one on Saturday (35 laps) and one Sunday (37 laps). All eyes are focused on the grand season finale as everything is still to play for…
The top management
Alain Prost, co-owner of the team
“It was a particular season. We have two very good drivers; we won six races and scored points at every race which allow us to be in a good position for the teams’ championship. However, the clash of dates in New York was very difficult because Sébastien missed two precious races to score points in. Now, we go to Montreal with just a 10-point advantage in the drivers’ championship while we previously had 32. Therefore, we have more pressure on us this weekend. We will manage this calmly, as will the team and drivers. Over the last two seasons, the drivers’ title was also decided at the final race so we will see what Montreal treats us. In terms of consistency and performance, we deserve these titles.”
Jean-Paul Driot, co-owner of the team
“After the pressure of the New York weekend, we go to Montreal with the aim to cement this great season. Sébastien’s victories and the points scored by Nicolas in every race have put us at the top of the teams’ championship. For the drivers’ title, Sébastien and the team arrive to Montreal calm and focused. We will prepare in the usual way to avoid any added pressure. The objectives are clear for this weekend: win both titles.”
The drivers
Séb Buemi, #9
“It was very strange not to race in New York so I am very happy to go to Montreal and meet the team again to race for the season finale. We still have a good chance to keep both our titles. Therefore, I will prepare for this weekend’s ePrix in a normal way. We will try to do the best we can. I hope we can finish this season on a high. I am really looking forward to it.”
Nico Prost, #8
“In New York, I was not able to convert the good pace in free practice to a big result but we still scored important points. In Montreal, I hope to finish the season on a positive note. The weekend will be very important both in the teams’ and drivers’ championships. We will remain focused until the end.”
Track Notes
Saturday
Free Practice 1 – 08.00 – 08.45
Free Practice 2 – 10.30 – 11.00
Qualifying – 12.00 – 12.36
Super Pole – 12.45 – 13.00
Race start – 16.00
Sunday
Free Practice 1 – 08.00 – 08.45
Free Practice 2 – 10.30 – 11.00
Qualifying – 12.00 – 12.36
Super Pole – 12.45 – 13.00
Race start – 16.00
2,745(km): Track length.
14: Number of turns.
35: Number of laps during Saturday ePrix
37: Number of laps during Sunday ePrix
The season 3 at Renault e.dams in number
6: Number of wins (Hong Kong, Marrakech, Buenos Aires, Monaco, Paris and Berlin race 2)
6: Number of podiums – always on the top step
2: Number of pole positions (Monaco and Paris)
157: Number of points scored by Séb Buemi to date
84: Number of points scored by Nico Prost to date
259: Number of points for the team to date