Renault e.Dams’ Sebastien Buemi has topped opening practice in Punta del Este ahead of DS Virgin’s Sam Bird.
A late lap from the Swiss driver saw him top opening practice by 1.1 seconds, showing the clear pace advantage Renault e.Dams currently have over the rest of the field.
On a 200kW lap, Bird set a stunning time to go fastest of all with 10 minutes remaining but shortly after, the former Mercedes F1 test driver crashed at turn five due to a suspension failure.
Buemi was one of the only drivers to complete a 200kW lap due to the two red flag periods and overtook Bird at the top of the timesheets.
Lucas di Grassi ended opening practice 1.9 seconds off the pace set by Buemi. The Brazilian leads the championship after winning in Putrajaya. Despite stopping on circuit, Jean-Eric Vergne recovered and ended FP1 fourth fastest.
Robin Frijns ended FP1 fifth fastest ahead of Nicholas Prost, Stephane Sarrazin, Jerome d’Ambrosio, Loic Duval and reigning Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr.
Both Mahindra’s struggled in opening practice as Formula E debutant Oliver Rowland only managed 13th and teammate Bruno Senna in 14th.
1997 Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve ended the session in last position, over five seconds off the pace.
