Jose Maria Lopez is relishing the opportunity to race on home soil in Formula E for the first time when the all-electric series ventures to Buenos Aires, Argentina next week.
Lopez made his Formula E debut in Hong Kong last October with DS Virgin Racing, having linked up with the team following Citroen’s withdrawal from the World Touring Car Championship, where he won three straight titles.
Lopez came close to racing in Buenos Aires last year when Jean-Eric Vergne came down with food poisoning, only for the Frenchman to recover in time to race.
Lopez is now ready to fly the flag for real in Argentina, and believes he can impress given DS Virgin’s early pace in Formula E’s third season.
“I’m getting a lot of media asking me how I’ll perform in Argentina, it being my home country,” Lopez said.
“Well, I have the team, and I have the car, so I think I have as good a chance as anyone out there on race day.
“I’m just excited to go out and race in front of my fans.”
Lopez will have the experience of teammate Sam Bird to rely on, with the Briton claiming one of Formula E’s hardest-fought victories in Buenos Aires last year ahead of Sebastien Buemi.
“It’s a great race for drivers and better still, a great day out for spectators,” Bird said. “After my win there last season, I’m hugely excited to get back to Buenos Aires to try and repeat the feat.”
DS Virgin team principal Alex Tai added: “DS Virgin Racing really are fully charged ahead of Buenos Aires. In Marrakesh Sam podiumed, in a car our fantastic mechanics had rebuilt literally minutes before the race commenced.
“Pound for pound, Sam is one of the best and most experienced drivers in Formula E, whilst our newcomer Jose Maria Lopez offers enormous potential, and I look forward to seeing him demonstrate his capabilities in front of his home crowd.”
The Buenos Aires ePrix takes place on February 18.