Vergne dedicates Formula E title win to Bianchi

Jean-Eric Vergne dedicated his Formula E title triumph to Jules Bianchi after he became the fourth different champion in the all-electric series' four-year history. A fifth-place finish in the New York ePrix's first of two races was enough to secure the trophy for Vergne.

A software issue meant Vergne's Techeetah team were disqualified from qualifying and he had to start from the back of the grid, however he made swift progress through the field, overtaking title rival Sam Bird on lap 16.

Bird could only finish ninth, which meant Vergne's standings lead was unassailable.

Vergne did not immediately appear to realise that he was the champion, but after being informed by his team, he said over the radio: "This season is for my friend Jules."

Emotional moment as @JeanEricVergne dedicates his championship win to his old friend, @Jules_Bianchi #JB17 pic.twitter.com/zQg00cHgzW — ABB Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 14, 2018

Later reflecting further, Vergne said: "When I crossed the line I honestly didn't know I had won.

"My engineer told me, 'I guess we've done it,', so I said, 'what do you mean?' Then [team-mate Andre] Lotterer went past me and clapped, so I knew something was up."

Bianchi died in July 2015 nine months after suffering severe head injuries in a collision with a tractor during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

He raced with the Marussia team in 2013 and 2014, scoring the team's only F1 points at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix.

Vergne was one of four F1 drivers who served as pall bearers at Bianchi's funeral, including Sebastian Vettel and Romain Grosjean.