Formula E's third season got underway in Hong Kong today with an incident packed first round from which Sebastian Buemi emerged the winner.
The Renault e.Dams driver had only qualified fifth but an astute strategy call by his team put the Swiss driver at the head of the pack near the half-way mark.
Nelson Piquet Jr. enjoyed a good start from pole but soon found a fast moving Sam Bird snapping at his heels, with Buemi progressing up into third.
On lap 17, Virgin's Jose Maria Lopez crashed into the barriers exiting the chicane and race leader Piquet, who was following, took avoiding action which also pitched him into the barriers.
Luckily the Brazilian was able to rejoin but he fell to third as the Safety Car was deployed.
Oliver Turvey, Buemi, Nick Heidfeld, Loic Duval, Nicolas Prost and Jerome d'Ambrosio all decided to stop early and would soon benefit from the Safety Car's presence, gaining track position and abig advantage in the process.
Buemi was the man out up front, efficiently managing his energy capital to the end as he took the checkered flag from Lucas di Grassi and Nick Heidfeld.
A special mention assuredly goes to sixth placed Robin Frijns and his Andretti crew. After crashing heavily in qualifying and seeing his second car completely rebuilt from scratch by the American team, and finished just in time for the second leg of the race, the Dutchman collected a remarkable result.
Formula E's second round shall take place in Marrakesh, Morocco on November 12.
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