Andretti Formula E driver, Jake Dennis, is targeting a return to race-winning form at this weekend’s Tokyo E-Prix following an encouraging podium finish last time out in Monaco.
The British driver, who finished third in Race 1 at the principality, believes he has identified the root causes of his mixed results so far this season as the championship reaches its midpoint.
Speaking exclusively to Pit Debrief ahead of the FE Tokyo E-Prix, Jake Dennis explained, “Generally, you’re always learning more from the races where you don’t perform. I think we’re starting to piece together the situations that caused those bad results. Obviously, a couple of them were just a bit of bad luck with reliability and stuff like that.”
Qualifying is crucial at the Tokyo E-Prix
Despite his podium in Monaco, Dennis admitted that he and the team have more to extract from their package, particularly in qualifying which he sees as critical at a circuit like Tokyo.
“Qualifying in general is going to be super important. We need to make sure we qualify at the front. Overtaking is going to be extremely difficult,” he emphasised. “Tokyo is generally a really super technical and tight and twisty circuit. It doesn’t always play into our strengths, I would say.”
“We’re a little bit better on the sort of fast and flowing circuits. That’s why we’re a little bit better in Monaco. But, you know, we finished third here last year, we qualified for fifth. So, it’s not the end of the world, but I just don’t think it perfectly plays into our strengths.”
Partnership with Nico Müller flourishing
The relationship with his new teammate, Nico Müller, has been developing steadily throughout the season, something, Dennis believes, is beneficial for both drivers.
“Me and Nico are obviously building a relationship more and more. We get along extremely well. And, yeah, we obviously trust each other a lot in terms of feedback, positioning on track and obviously trying to help each other as much as we possibly can,” Dennis explained.
This teamwork proved valuable in Monaco, where the British credited Müller with helping him secure his podium finish despite fighting his own race. Jake Dennis driver hopes this collaborative approach can continue in the FE Tokyo E-Prix.
“Hopefully, we’re in the position in Tokyo to really help each other and, yeah, you know, help each other, say, taking attack or in strategy. If there’s any way we can help each other, then we’ll do that. But, no, it’s good to have a teammate so close together.”
The reality of chasing Oliver Rowland for the championship
With Nissan’s Oliver Rowland extending his championship lead following his win in Monaco Race 1, Dennis acknowledges the uphill battle he faces in the title fight but remains focused on what he can control.
“The Nissan powertrain this year seems extremely strong. I think they’ve gone from, you know, not the quickest to now probably the quickest and most consistent. So, you have to say hi to them and, you know, give them full credit where credit is due,” he said.
“Ultimately, I do need some misfortune for Oliver to close this gap. It’s so severe now to – if Oliver finishes fifth in every race and I, you know, finish second or third and win a few, it’s still not enough. So, I’m obviously going to have Oliver to have a bad weekend or two to close this gap. But I’ll only control what I can control, which is me performing at my very best.”
Goals for the second half of Season 11: targeting wins
Despite the championship situation, Dennis has clear targets for the remainder of the season.
“Targets to score more podiums and win some races. I definitely want to win a race this year. I’ve been fortunate enough to win a race every year I’ve done Formula E and it’s been a while since we last won one. So, I want to try and get back on that train and perform to a winning level.”
Dennis concluded with cautious optimism about his prospects for the rest of the season, stating, “If I perform at my best and win some races, you naturally move further up the championship. But, yeah, if we can try and finish top three or even close this gap to Oliver, then I think we’ve had a pretty good second half of the championship, considering where we are now.”
The Tokyo E-Prix presents an opportunity for Dennis to build on his Monaco momentum, though he acknowledges the circuit’s characteristics may not perfectly suit the Andretti package. Nevertheless, with his eyes set firmly on a return to the top step of the podium, Dennis remains a driver to watch this weekend.
