Formula E | FP2 | Shanghai E-Prix | Da Costa on the top step with Barnard P2 - Motorsport

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Formula E‘s 11th season continued in China with the Shanghai E-Prix, where Antonio Félix da Costa ended FP2 as the fastest driver around the city’s renowned International Circuit. Taylor Barnard finished second, while Nyck de Vries completed the top three in a competitive session. Meanwhile, Porsche whose da Costa topped the earlier FP1 session with a 1:09.288, remained strong.

Green flag kicks off FP2

When the green light appeared at the end of the pit lane, drivers began to filter out onto the track. Jaguar’s Nick Cassidy—who is set to leave the team at the end of the season—led the pack. The session began slowly, as most drivers focused on tyre preparation and installation laps.

Nico Müller of Andretti set the first representative lap time with a 1:11.199, though this was quickly eclipsed. As pace built, David Beckmann of Cupra Kiro briefly held the top spot with a 1:09.324, before Jean-Éric Vergne and then Jake Hughes improved upon it. Hughes, driving for Maserati, became the first to dip into the 1:08s.

With around 25 minutes to go, Attack Mode laps started, with drivers also pitting for adjustments. Beckmann remained in P1 with his 1:09.324, but was soon dethroned by Jean-Éric Vergne and then Jake Hughes. The Maserati driver’s time was the first in the 1:08s.

Halfway through the session

With 20 minutes left on the clock, more drivers returned to the circuit to begin flying laps in preparation for qualifying. Lola’s Zane Maloney slotted between Hughes and Vergne on the timing sheets, while his team-mate Lucas di Grassi had a small off at Turn 1 but managed to avoid incident.

Cassidy briefly moved into second, then dropped to third as Jake Dennis completed a 1:08.972. FP1 leader da Costa climbed to fourth, narrowly missing the 1:08 mark. Dan Ticktum later snatched the position from him.

Da Costa reclaims P1 into the final quarter of the session

In the final moments, a miscommunication at Nissan saw Oliver Rowland halt at the pit lane entry after being instructed to wait—his team-mate Norman Nato was still in the pit box practising pit boost, leaving no room.

Da Costa then reclaimed first place with a late flying lap, followed by Barnard and de Vries. Maximilian Günther, who ended the session fourth, had a major slide through Turn 7 but managed to keep the car pointing forward. Reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein struggled to make gains and remained in the bottom five as the chequered flag fell.

With FP2 complete, all eyes turned to qualifying, scheduled for under two hours later. The first race of the Shanghai double-header was set to take place later that day.