Season Two Formula E champion Sebastien Buemi is expecting a "stiff challenge" at this weekend's inaugural Zurich E-Prix as Renault e.dams gears up for a historic weekend in Switzerland's largest city.
With Formula E approaching the final round of its Season Four tour of Europe before jetting off to New York, Renault e.dams currently sit in sixth in the Teams' Championship in what has been the French marque's worst season on record.
So far this season, the Renault-backed outfit, fronted by Buemi and team-mate Nico Prost, have so far failed to secure a single victory, taking a best result of second place at January's Marrakesh E-Prix.
Looking ahead to his home race this weekend, which marks the first circuit race to be held in Switzerland in 64 years and a 'reset' due to the series visiting a brand-new circuit, Buemi admitted that racing there would be a proud moment in his career although a challenging weekend is expected:
“It is going to be incredible to race in the streets of Zurich," he said.
"I am really proud to be a part of it! I know the city very well and I paid a visit to the neighbourhood where the track is set up.
"The layout seems quite simple with a lot of 90° corners, but I am sure that it will be a stiff challenge to get on pace. There is a long straight and a chicane that should offer overtaking opportunities.
"When I was growing up, motor racing was banned in Switzerland. I am going to try to make the most of this event!”
On the other side of Renault's garage, Prost has so far had a difficult season, scoring only seven points compared to Buemi's 82 although the Frenchman, son of Alain Prost, is hoping to put on an impressive performance in Sunday's race:
“I am French, but I have a Swiss passport. So it will be another home round for me! To race in Paris is something quite special, but after three years we’ve gotten used to it. I am looking forward to discovering this circuit," he said.
"I don’t know Zurich very well, but it is a very lovely city where there is a lot going on. People have to understand just how much work went into bringing motor racing back to Switzerland!
"I want to thank everyone who made this possible and I hope we can put on a great show Sunday. "​
