Discover more
Sitting at the top of the timesheets after the first session of the 2018 Antofagasta Minerals Santiago E-Prix is DS Virgin Racing's Sam Bird, who logged a time of 1:19.439. "I feel quite confident - but it's bumpy out there," said the British driver with a smile.
Close behind Bird was current championship leader Felix Rosenqvist (Mahindra Racing) with a time of 1:19.646. "The track is awesome but very difficult," said a quietly confident Rosenquist. Third fastest went to Techeetah's Jean-Eric Vergne, who set a time of 1:19.701.
With lumps, bumps and some tight and technical corners, the Santiago circuit proved challenging for a number of drivers. Bringing out the yellow flag was Renault e.dams Sebastien Buemi, after he lost control of the rear of the car and grazed the barrier. With damage to the car, Buemi retired from the session with a time of 1:22.077.
Turn 3 proved to be a problem for Venturi Formula E's Maro Engel, who caused a red flag after failing to make the turn, resulting in a front-end collision with the barrier. With just two minutes of the session left, Free Practice 1 came to an early end with all drivers returning to the garage.
For reigning champion Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport Abt Shaeffler), a time of 1:20.405 put him in the middle of the standings (eleventh fastest), two places ahead of former champ Sebastien Buemi.
Stay tuned for Free Practice 2 at 10:30 (local time). Click here to tune in.