Formula E: Vergne takes Moscow pole for Andretti

Jean-Eric Vergne edged Formula E championship leader Nelson Piquet Jr. to take pole position for the Moscow ePrix.

Piquet topped the first group of qualifying with a time of 1m09.449s, almost four tenths clear of his closest challenger in both the 10-minute phase and series standings, Sebastien Buemi. The pair remained at the top until the third group, which featured Andretti Autosport driver Vergne and Lucas di Grassi.

Despite brushing a wall, Vergne went to the top with a 1m09.429s – just 0.02 seconds ahead of Piquet – while di Grassi slotted into third. They remained the top three at the end of the session, as Vergne secured his third Formula E pole position.

Practice pacesetter Buemi was fourth, ahead of Jerome d'Ambrosio, Nicolas Prost, Daniel Abt, Nick Heidfeld, Jarno Trulli and Stephane Sarrazin. D'Ambrosio and Sarrazin topped their respective groups.

Justin Wilson will start his first Formula E race for the Andretti team in 13th place, while Antonio Felix da Costa was limited to 15th by throttle problems.

Karun Chandhok had the wildest moment of the 40 minutes of running, a 360-degree spin through the right-hand sweeper entering the back straight, on his way to the 17th-fastest time.

The 35-lap race commences at 4 p.m. local time.

QUALIFYING TIMES: