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Stoffel Vandoorne, Mercedes Benz EQ, EQ Silver Arrow 02
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Special feature

How Vergne and Vandoorne found redemption in Rome

Another Formula E double-header, another double dose of frantic action. While the form guide remains unpredictable following fightback wins for Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne in Rome, the speed and consistency of Mercedes – both on and off the track – could have its rivals worried for what is to follow

The spares department of Spark Racing Technology, builder of the Formula E chassis, did a roaring trade in Rome. A constant queue of mechanics took turns placing orders at the kiosk, located behind the pop-up garages, to receive a variety of replacement carbon fibre trinketry over the counter as their original parts lay strewn across the 2.1-mile circuit.

Among those taking turns to wait in line were the crews of DS Techeetah and Mercedes, forced to repair wrecks caused by an ill-positioned start line and a loose manhole cover. But their efforts would be rewarded. Jean-Eric Vergne recovered from a contentious pile-up to more resemble his double title-winning self, who had gone missing for the better part of a year, to score an unlikely victory on Saturday. The day after, Stoffel Vandoorne bagged a second championship win to repay his team for burning the midnight oil to offset the mass damage inflicted by dislodged track furnishings that flicked his Silver Arrow into the wall.

Previous article Rowland critical of Rome Formula E penalty after Cassidy clash
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