Buemi wins Formula E opener in Hong Kong

©Formula E

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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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.