It’s time for the first on track session of the Formula E day in Monaco, as drivers brace themselves for FP1. In Round 9 later todays, the drivers will test out the Pit Boost format in the Principality, consequently they will need as much confidence with the fully layout as possible.
Immediately after the first sets of out-laps, Buemi mentioned on the radio the fact that driving around felt very slippery and lacking track feeling. After the first sets of timed laps attempts, maiden race winner in Berlin Nico Mueller led from Da Costa and Dennis.
A yellow flag was issued with 19 minutes left into the session, as Oliver Rowland locked up and spun close to the barriers at Turn 1. At the halfway point of the session, Jaguar’s Mitch Evans moved up to P1 with a lap time in the 1:30s, leading from Mueller and Da Costa.
Formula E FP1 Mid-way in Monaco
Several drivers are still coming to terms with the bumpy surface of the street circuit, with Günther swerving left and right. Felipe Drugovich then brought up Andretti up to the top spot, as times begin to fall into the 1:29s.
Reigning Formula E Champion Oliver Rowland continues to express the troubles and the lack of feeling he is encountering during FP1 in Monaco. Günther and Barnard are out under investigation for speeding in the pit lane.
With five minutes to go, De Vries leads in 1:27.520 from previous session leaders Evans and Dennis.
Vergne had a moment after the tunnel, as he dived too deep into the chicane. Evans too had a similar challenging moment at the left-handed chicane. Ticktum moves up to the top, in Cupra Kiro’s special movie-themed livery after some earlier difficulties in handling his electric challenger and keeping it straight on track.
The final moments of the session are intense, as Da Costa runs off track into the runoff. Drivers still improve their best efforts after the chequered flag, taking advantage of track evolution. Ultimately, it’s Mahindra’s De Vries to take the crown for Formula E FP1 in Monaco, lapping in 1:27.050. He ended his day ahead of latest race winner Pascal Wehrlein and Ticktum.
Tune in later for more on-track action!
