Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula E

Nelson Piquet Jr clinches inaugural Formula E title

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In a riveting finale around London's Battersea Park, Nelson Piquet Jr was crowned as the very first Formula E champion.

Piquet certainly had his work cut out for him after starting way back in 16th position on the grid of Sunday's race. But the Team China driver stormed through to claim the title by a single point from Sebastian Buemi.

Buemi spun right after the mandatory car change and lost a position, a deficit which would prove crucial in the final stages of the race. Piquet meantime progressed through the ranks thanks to an aggressive energy strategy, while the title was definitely sealed when Buemi failed to recapture his lost position following a close scrap with Bruno Senna.

Frenchman Stéphane Sarrazin crossed the line first but was instantly relegated to 15th after exceeding his energy allocation, which handed the victory to Virgin Racing's Sam Bird. The penalty had no bearing on the championship's final points tally and Piquet's seventh place finish handed him the crown.

Speaking right after the finish, Nelsinho was quick to praise his team for his accomplishment.

"The championship has been really tough," said the Brazilian. "We've got a good group of guys. They trusted me and believed in me."

Click here for FIA President Jean Todt's thoughts on the current state of F1

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.