Buemi clinches Formula E title after clash with di Grassi

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The final round of the FIA Formula E series held in London delivered an eventful race and a worthy champion.

It all started in dramatic fashion when former F1 drivers Sebastian Buemi and Lucas di Grassi, the men in contention for the FE title, collided on the opening lap shrtly after the start.

Had both drivers who shared an equal number of points in the standings been out on the spot, the championship would have been awarded to di Grassi who enjoyed at that point a greater number of outright wins this season compared to his rival.

With victory and normal race points out of reach, Buemi and di Grassi focused on achieving the two-point bonus awarded for fastest lap.

As they dealt with traffic and the Safety Car periods, it was a hard fought affair asthe bonus rotated back and forth between each driver, with Renaulot-eDams' Buemi ultimately emerging as the victor.

The Swiss' team mate, Nicolas Prost collected his second win of the weekend at Battersea Park, in front of Daniel Abt, di Grassi's team mate at Abt Audi Sport.

Dragon Racing's Jérôme D'Ambrosio and Loïc Duval were third and fourth, inheriting their positions from Vergne, Heidfeld and da Costa when the trio was awarded a 50-second penalty for each driver exceeding the maximum usable energy allocation.

Stéphane Sarrazin and Bruno Senna completed the top six finish.

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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.