Formula E braces itself for a high-stakes weekend, as the grid returns on track in Tokyo for FP1. The title fight is intensifying, with six drivers over the 100 points threshold and a great handful of previous champions in the mix, such as Pascal Wehrlein and Oliver Rowland.
The session began with a 15 minutes delay due to previous raining on the track. At the green flag, immediately all drivers went out on track for the 40 minutes session, to get acquainted with the night-time racing conditions.
Beginning of Formula E FP1 in Tokyo
Several drivers, including Ticktum, returned to the pits shortly after to change car setup so as to better suit the evolving track conditions. Championship leader Wehrlein set the first benchmark in the 1:19s, with his former teammate Da Costa struggling to handle his Jaguar challenger but ultimately taking the top spot from him with a 1:18.854.
Ten minutes into the session, Mahindra Racing pops up on top, with Edoardo Mortara and Nyck de Vries alternating at the top of the session standings. Maloney and Nato exit the pits, as Evans rejoins for a new setup.
A short yellow flag was issued as Rowland slid a bit on track, heading into the runoff as the rain intensifies again in certain areas of the track. Ticktum slides in between the Mahindra driver duo, 0.112s behind the Dutchman’s best effort thus far.
Nick Cassidy brings Citroen Racing on top, in memory of Team Principal Cyril Blais who has suddenly passed earlier this year. Vergne joins him, but it doesn’t last long as Da Costa sets an impressive 1:14.471 with ten minutes left into the session.
Da Costa and Buemi make slight contact at turn 1, but are both able to resume the session as it was.
End of session shenanigans and fast laps
Formula E podium sitter in Shanghai Joel Eriksson is the latest driver to cycle on top for Tokyo FP1, as the track gets drier and drier. Drivers began to focus on full power simulations ahead of Qualifying.
Traffic gets busy as every drivers attempts to get in a lap towards the end of the session, with Di Grassi backing off due to several drivers ahead of him.
Ultimately, Mahindra resumed the top spot with Mortara in first ahead of Guenther and Dennis. Tune in tomorrow for more track sessions!
Complete session results here
