Da Costa wins first race of new season

World
Europe

01:05

Formula E's fifth season began with the first-ever race in Saudi Arabia and it included the debut of a Gen-2 car that can hit a top speed of 280 km/h and maintain the sufficient battery power to last an entire race.

In pole position was Portugal's Antonio Felix da Costa who overcame an indifferent start after misjudging his grid spot and was forced to position his car towards the barriers.

At the halfway stage, France's Jean-Eric Vergne passed Da Costa to snatch the lead, going around the outside of the Turn 18 right-hander.

Vergne's teammate Andre Lotterer also went past the 27-year-old into the second spot before both DS Techeetah drivers received drive-through penalties for technical infringements.

Da Costa retook the lead on lap 24 and, after a safety car period of three laps, ensured he took the checkered flag for his first Formula E race win since the 2014/15 season.

Vergne finished second behind Da Costa, with Jerome D'Ambrosio completing the podium for Mahindra Racing.