Formula E | FP1 | Shanghai E-Prix | Da Costa tops opening session in China - Motorsport

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Porsche’s Antonio Felix Da Costa topped the Formula E FP1 session at the Shanghai E-Prix with the Porsche team looking the outfit to beat ahead of the double header in the Chinese city.

Ticktum sets the early pace

Championship leader Oliver Rowland set the early pace at the start of the session, the Brit’s time of a 1.11.53 momentarily held top spot before Dan Ticktum, off the back of a podium in Tokyo, topped the time sheets with a 1.11.36.

Ticktum seemed comfortable at the top: Maximilian Gunther the only driver to come close to topping it with a 1.11.48.

The Porsches already looked strong; Wehrlein moving into third with a 1.11.49 ahead of Nyck De Vries in fourth who set an identical time to Wehrlein’s.

Several teams struggle to hit the ground running

The only interrupted moment of the session came when Jaguar’s Nick Cassidy spun coming out of turn 2, the Kiwi losing the rear and spinning round, narrowly avoiding the Lola Yamaha of Zane Maloney behind.

Cassidy would go on to finish the session fifth while teammate Mitch Evans continued the Coventry-based team’s woes as he could manage no higher than 20th, compounding the team’s issues in what is turning out to be a challenging season for them.

Di Grassi struggles

Another driver struggling in the opening session was Lucas Di Grassi, the most experienced driver on the grid complaining of oversteer in his car. The Brazilian could manage no higher than 19th overall, becoming very animated over the radio as a result.

Alongside Di Grassi in his struggles were DS Penske and Envision, both teams’ drivers stuck in the lower half of the field with DS Penske’s Jean Eric Vergne under investigation following the session due to a technical infringement.

The chequered flag falls

As the chequered flag fell it was Da Costa who found himself topping the time sheets having set a 1.09.288 midway through the session, a time that wouldn’t be topped.

Behind him came Nyck De Vries, the Dutchman continuing a sudden resurgence in form as he found himself just a tenth off the top time. Behind De Vries was Maserati’s Jake Hughes, the top three split by just over two tenths of a second.

Following them, came Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein, topping off a promising session for the Porsche outfit. Nick Cassidy rounded out the top five, amid rumours of where he may find himself next season.

Behind the top five came McLaren rookie Taylor Barnard who continued his impressive form this season. Dan Ticktum finished seventh looking to build on his impressive performance last time out in Tokyo.

Jake Dennis and Norman Nato followed before Stoffel Vandoorne rounded out the top ten; just half a second separating first to tenth.

Tune in tomorrow for second practice and qualifying for what is set to be a tight, unpredictable outing here in Shanghai.