Langwathby driver Oliver Turvey endured a difficult Bern ePrix in the last European race of the Formula E Championship season.

Facing a tall order from the final row of the grid, Penrith-born Turvey started Saturday’s race in 22nd, while NIO team-mate Tom Dillmann began a place ahead of the 32-year-old as they initially profited from a chaotic start when a multi-car incident into the first chicane blocked the track.

Able to take to the chicane escape road in avoidance, Dillmann emerged in 10th, just ahead of Turvey prior to the race being red flagged.

After a delay of around 40 minutes, the officials decided to restart the race in the original grid order behind the safety car.

Positions see-sawed throughout the remainder of the E-Prix with penalties and numerous issues affecting several drivers and, despite a late rain shower, French driver Dillmann was able to take a 15th-placed finish with Turvey just behind in 16th spot.

Turvey said: “Looking at the layout of the circuit, we arrived knowing it would be a challenge for us. 

“It’s a new and exciting track and was really fun to drive. However, qualifying didn’t quite go to plan and starting from the back was always going to be difficult. 

“The race was tough and we did everything we could but, unfortunately, it just did not go our way on Saturday.”

Team principal Gerry Hughes added: “It’s been an interesting experience racing in Bern, the track is quite a unique layout and the road surfaces represent a real challenge for the drivers.

“Unfortunately, the race was always going to be another tough one for the NIO Formula E Team which, of course, wasn’t helped by a difficult qualifying session earlier in the day.”

With the European part of the season five calendar now completed, all that remains is the hotly-anticipated ABB FIA Formula E Championship finale in New York City, USA, over the weekend of July 13 and July 14.

Hughes said: “Now, we’re all looking forward to the return to New York City next month for the final two races of the season.

“As always, we’ll strive to achieve the absolute maximum we can from our current package.”