DS Virgin driver and Formula E rookie, Jose Maria Lopez’s race was over before it really began in Hong Kong after sustaining suspension damage on the opening lap of the Hong Kong ePrix.
The three-time World Touring Car Champion qualified third ahead of experienced team mate Sam Bird and was the best overall rookie in qualifying. However, the race was a disaster for Argentine.
Lopez sustained suspension damage after contact in a tight first corner, which was followed by contact with the wall later on in the lap leaving an almighty uphill battle for the remainder of the race. His race eventually came to an end after he crashed into the barrier on the exit of turn four on lap 15.
Talking about his race, Lopez said: “I just wanted to finish the race today, so I can gain the valuable experience I need as a rookie. Turn one, I wanted to turn in and cut back to get a good run to turn two, but I was not given the space I needed to stay on the track. I tried to stay away from the wall, but I touched a car, and that sent me into the wall, and I had a suspension failure from there. I tried to nurse it back to the pits with the 20 laps I needed to stay in the race, but I think the suspension gave up at the chicane and I just went straight into the wall.”
