Argentina is a sporty country. Football might be their true love, but the nation has produced sporting heroes in many disciplines over the years.
Recently the national rugby team, affectionately known as Los Pumas performed brilliantly to reach the semi-final of the world cup. While at the Rio Olympics, Juan Martin del Potro played some scintillating tennis on his way to the final, where he was defeated by Andy Murray.
Ahead of this weekend’s Buenos Aires ePrix, Formula E decided to tap into the local love of these sports and see whether our drivers can convert their bravery, concentration and reflexes in a different type of sport.
With the Argentina Open taking place over the same week as the race, Nelson Piquet Jr and Maro Engel jumped at the opportunity to see some world-class players in action. There was an upset too as number two seed Pablo Cuevas crashed out in straight sets to Aleksandr Dolgopolov.
Despite the intense heat, the Bulgarian stayed on court for a quick knock up with the Formula E stars, although he didn’t need to stretch himself too much!
“We saw some great tennis and it’s always good to meet other sportsmen,” said Engel. “It was a tough days work for those guys, it was pretty hot out there.
“It’s safe to say there is no career beckoning for me in tennis, and I’m terribly disappointed by that right now. But it was good fun. I don’t have a racket in my hands that often, I’m much more comfortable with a steering wheel, but it was a great experience and great to meet Alex who seems to be a big racing fan and we hope he goes far in this tournament, but in case he is available on Saturday we’ve offered him the chance to come and watch the BA ePrix.”
Piquet then hot-footed across town to join Antonio Felix da Costa, Robin Frijns, Oliver Turvey and Stephane Sarrazin, who were taking part in Los Pumas final training session before they head out on tour.
Juan Martin Hernandez and Juan Manuel Leguizamón towered over the drivers as they worked up a sweat to compare fitness levels for a future magazine show feature.
Once the training was over they were given a lesson in kicking conversion, and while results were mixed to say the least, Frijns demonstrated a fine technique to slot one straight between the posts from around 30 metres!
“Rugby is quite big in Portugal,” said da Costa “We are a semi-professional team. All the guys are doctors and lawyers and then they come to play rugby. Argentina is one of the biggest national teams out there and they put up a good fight so it’s really an honour to be playing with these guys.”
Oliver Turvey added: “I used to play when I was at school and I enjoyed playing with the guys but I’ve always been too small I think. As racing drivers, we’re quite small so maybe not the right type of build to be a rugby player but it’s great to get some coaching from some great players. It’s always great to meet top sportsmen’s and see how they train and is interesting to meet them - it’s been a fun experience.”
The track action for the Buenos Aires ePrix starts at 8am local time tomorrow, with qualifying at 12pm and the race at 4pm.
Click here to see where you can watch the race in your region >> https://www.fiaformulae.com/en/watch/ways-to-watch