Formula E: Di Grassi tops first practice in Beijing

Lucas di Grassi drove his Audi Sport ABT team to the top of the inaugural official practice session of the inaugural FIA Formula E race on the streets of Beijing – and he did it in some style.

The Brazilian, who currently lies third in the FIA World Endurance Championship, where he races an Audi Sport R18 e-tron quattro, schooled his rivals with his final flying lap of the hour. With a 1min41.937sec lap, he was almost six-tenths quicker than his nearest rival.

The best team effort was that of e.dams-Renault, the equipe set up by DAMS Racing and Alain Prost, with second and fourth spots falling to Sebastien Buemi and Nicolas Prost respectively. The French pair were split by early-session pace setter Sam Bird of Virgin Racing.

Jerome d'Ambrosio was sixth for former IndyCar team, Dragon Racing, while Andretti Autosport took seventh and eighth, thanks to Franck Montagny and late recruit Charles Pic.