It’s time for a second FE FP2 session ahead of the points-awarding sessions. Will Nissan reconfirm their strong pace already shown in FP1? And will have Barnard have recovered from his severe crash?
Early shenanigans
The session began under the pouring rain, with Oliver Rowland immediately out on track, sliding in right ahead of teammate Norman Nato. Evans slid at the chicane, but managed to keep his challenger on track and away from the walls.
After the first set of attempts Cassidy leads in 1:40.00s, with Da Costa the first driver to set a lap in the 1:39s. Neom McLaren has managed to get Barnard’s car back up and running, with the young Brit on the verge of the top 10.
The Jaguar driver makes slight contact with the wall and is forced to pit in order to fix his car.
With 30 minutes left in the session, Maloney signs the first lap time in the 1:38s, settling in ahead of Vergne and Barnard, who has just bolted up to the final podium position.
Maserati has a strong improvement as well, with both drivers cycling at the lead and putting in lap times in the 1:36s.
Wet crashes
Vergne hits the wall at Turn 16. It’s a much less severe impact compared to Barnard’s crash. Nevertheless a full course yellow was issues. Mahindra’s De Vries as well had car troubles, which forced him to park it at Turn 1.
At the restart, second placed inn the standings Da Costa goes on top with a 1:34.540s. Barnard first and then Rowland replace him in the lead of the provisional standings. Kiro’s Ticktum show again promising pace after a strong qualifying in Monaco. This time, he is in the top ten.
In the final 15 minutes of the session he moves up to P7 with a 1:34.130s. Mortara and Nato join championship leader Rowland at the top of the podium for FE FP2 ahead of th Tokyo E-Prix.
David Beckmann has a moment at Turn 15, whihc causes for a yellow flag first and then a red one as well with 9 minutes left on the clock. Replays also show Maloney crashing into the back of De Vries’s Mahindra at the final corner.
Session resumed with 4 minutes left on the clock. The session won’t be extentded however, with these final minutes not enough for any major final stansing changes.
At the end of the session, another yellow flag was issued because of Maloney in the wall.
Championship leader Rowland leads rainy and action-packed FE FP2 session ahead of the Tokyo E-Prix, with Mortara and Nato on the podium as well. Barnard and De Vries round off the Top 5.
Tune in later for Qualifying!
Complete results:
