MONACO, March 29, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Tesla Roadster has become the first electric vehicle to win the Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally and the first to win an FIA-sanctioned competition.
Driven by Formula One driver Erik Comas, the Arctic white Roadster beat 96 competitors in range, efficiency and performance. The Roadster's victory in the three-day, nearly 1,000-kilometer challenge also marks the first time an electric vehicle has dominated a certified Federation Internationale de l'Automobile competition.
The Roadster scored definitive victories in two additional categories, including the Efficiency Cup and the Electric Vehicles Cup. The course, which ended Sunday, covers highways, two-lane back roads, mountain passes and sprints on the Monaco F1 track.
"This is the first time ever that a 1,000-kilometer rally required only €24 worth of fuel – proof that the electric Roadster is definitively revolutionizing the car industry," said Comas, who has participated in 63 Grands Prix and dozens of other top races. "The Roadster is just as fast as some other supercars I've piloted – and it's astoundingly more efficient than any rival. This was truly a team effort over the past days and continued efforts like this will be vital in conquering the challenges of the future of motorsport."
Clean Sweep for World's Greenest Carmaker
The victory comes a year after Tesla set a world EV range record while competing in last year's rally. In 2009, an electric blue Roadster traveled the full 387-kilometer Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally from Valence, France, through the mountains to Monaco, finishing with 61 kilometers of remaining range. Although a world range record at the time, Simon Hackett subsequently drove his Roadster 501 kilometers in Australia, setting a new record.
In this year's rally, which is certified by the Automobile Club de Monaco, a second Tesla Roadster was driven by Rudi Tuisk, Tesla's Australia general manager and former chief European technician. Tuisk successfully completed the range segment on this year's slightly longer course, driving 390 km from Annecy, France, to Monaco on a single charge – with 66 kilometers remaining.
Tuisk compared Tesla's victory this weekend with the 24 Hours of Le Mans of 2005, when an Audi prototype became the first diesel-powered car to win that world-famous event.
"In a humble way, I felt like we had the privilege of witnessing history today," Tuisk said.
In all, Tesla took home three prizes in the following categories:
- FIA Cup – Overall Monte Carlo Alternative Energy Rally
- Efficiency Cup
- Electric Vehicles Cup (IIIA)
About Tesla
Tesla is world's only automaker selling highway-capable electric vehicles – the only company whose cars equally emphasize design, performance and efficiency. With a relentless focus on customer service, Tesla sells cars directly to clients, both online and out of showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California's Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, Chicago and South Florida. Tesla has delivered cars in at least 23 countries worldwide and is already considered the must-have car among Hollywood celebrities, European royalty and trendsetters worldwide. Advertising Age magazine recently named Tesla one of America's "hottest brands."
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