Virgin Racing drivers Sam Bird and Jaime Alguersuari prepare for first ever electric-race in the Russian capital
Virgin Racing drivers Sam Bird and Jaime Alguersuari have arrived in Moscow for the ninth race of the FIA Formula E series confident of putting the British team into a strong position ahead of the season finale in Battersea Park on June 27th and 28th.
Following an iconic venue in Monaco and a unique circuit in Berlin, Moscow presents a beautiful, vibrant and historic backdrop for the modern race series. The 2.39km street circuit will see the Virgin Racing duo of Sam Bird and Jaime Alguersuari race alongside the Moskva River, adjacent to the Kremlin and past Red Square and Saint Basil’s Cathedral.
The Virgin Racing team, backed by Sir Richard Branson, are currently in fifth position in the FIA Formula E championship with 98 points and are entering a decisive stage of the season with only three races remaining.
Speaking ahead of the ninth e-Prix:
Sam Bird, Virgin Racing driver said, “We are at a stage in the season now where every point that we can earn is important. My teammate, Jaime Alguersuari, and I really need to be earning double figures in Moscow to put ourselves in a position to push for a championship win when we finish the season in London in a few weeks time. In Monaco and Berlin I raced extremely well and so if I can qualify strongly in Moscow then I see no reason why we can not be at the top of the podium on Saturday evening. I have always loved racing on street circuits, but this one is going to be particularly special considering all of the incredible landmarks that we pass on this track."
Jaime Alguersuari, Virgin Racing driver, said, “I am very fortunate as a racing driver to travel all over the world and experience the cultures of so many different places and I am very excited to be here in Moscow for this ePrix. I have had chance to explore the city and I can not wait to be racing past so many important buildings in history. I am extremely confident in my Virgin Racing car and I believe that as a team, we can definitely earn a podium here in Moscow. I am a very competitive driver and I enter every race knowing that I am fast and with a fast car, we can definitely win in Russia and enter the London finale on a high."
Alex Tai, Virgin Racing Team Principal, said, “When we started this very first Formula E season back in September in Beijing, Moscow was yet to be announced as a host city for the championship. I am so pleased Formula E chose to race here in Russia and that the Virgin Racing team can compete in this brilliant city. As a British team, of course we want to enter the London finale full of confidence and ready to show our home fans what we are capable of as a team and there is no better way to do that than with a victory in Moscow. I can not wait to see the Virgin Racing cars racing with this stunning backdrop of a city."
The ninth FIA Formula E race will start at 4pm local time (2pm GMT+2) and will be broadcast live on ITV4.
