Formula E returns to Jeddah for this weekend’s double-header, the first of the season. Thursday’s practice session under the lights wrapped up with many drivers feeling confident but some concerned about handling at top speeds.
New Strategy This Weekend
This weekend will introduce PIT BOOST, which will majorly impact the strategies that teams play this weekend. To get the session started, the drivers wasted no time heading to the track. The majority of the drivers prioritised getting out early to maximise their time during practice.
With successful tests of full-course yellows completed, the grid was free to fly. The only driver to not take to the circuit was Lucas Di Grassi, who remained in the pits, joining later. As early times came in, it was Oliver Rowland setting the pace. With a 1:18.9, his first timed lap looked good. His pace, however, was quickly matched and eventually beaten by Felix Da Costa.
With ten minutes of practice done, 3/4 of the grid had completed their initial flying laps. The frontrunners at the time were Dennis, Da Costa and Nick Cassidy. Oliver Rowland had a close call, temporarily losing his rear end and coming inches away from sliding into the barrier. The reigning champion was quick to correct the car.
Pushing the Limits
Jeddah brings the cars to very high speeds this weekend, so the teams need to battle both the speeds and control. Drivers came onto their radio to complain about handling issues, with Taylor Barnard experiencing issues.
“When I’m exiting left hand corners, initially the balance feels fine but the higher the speed goes the more understeer I have,” the Brit told his race engineer. He remained out on track for the time being, sitting in P9.
The Cupra Kiro duo found pace in the middle of the session, with Martí leading the two for the moment. Of the early run times, they sat in P2 and P3. Dan Ticktum looked relatively comfortable during the session. His aim this weekend will be two high point finishes, following a frustrating start to the season. More close calls came during the session, with the Nissan duo getting caught up behind slow-moving cars during their laps.
Work to Do Ahead of Qualifying
It was clear that many drivers were experiencing understeer and a lack of rear control around the circuit. Da Costa struggled with entry speeds on his later run, taking to the escape road. But the final four minutes of the session were when we saw this weekend’s race potential and also the most incidents.
Another close encounter came between Pepe Martí and Jean-Éric Vergne, where Martí accidentally impeded JEV, having just let another driver past. The Lola Yamaha drivers found themselves finishing another practice session down the bottom of the order. 18th and 19th leave the team with work to do ahead of tomorrow.
However, it was Maximilian Günther who topped the table at the end of free practice. Behind him were Pascal Wehrlein and Jake Dennis. Their teammates Drugovich and Müller had less impressive session finishes, sitting down in P14 and P15, respectively. Felix Da Costa ends Thursday with work to do. A P20 finish in practice was less than ideal.
Last season, Günther had an incredible weekend. With Jeddah clearly being a great circuit for him, will he be able to replicate his success this weekend?