Vergne admitted he didn't have the pace to challenge the Jaguar-powered Envision that ultimately raced to the top step, despite also hitting the front. Nevertheless, the DS PENSKE driver will no doubt be quielty pleased to have scored strongly with third, with an eye on the long game as the season passes its half-way stage.
READ MORE: The full Round 8 recap
"I’m very happy with the podium," said the 32-year-old. "The race could have ended up any other way quite easily, looking how difficult it is at the back. Every time I went down to fifth or sixth, I knew I needed to come back and attack to stay in the top three or four and stay out of trouble.
"I find it amazing how Nick (Cassidy), who stayed leading, didn’t have a deficiency in terms of energy compared to what was behind. I was certain Jake (Dennis) was going to win that race and I’m amazed – those guys look really, really strong.
"If we want a chance at winning the championship, we need to wake up and improve because they’re in a different league at the moment and they’re doing a very good job.
"I was a bit more in the pack yesterday and I got hit a bit more often. I was spun, too. It was cleaner to day but the guys who were in my position yesterday, further back, might tell you it was a mess again! I’m glad I was in my position."