Tokyo, Japan: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship witnessed another exciting chapter in Tokyo, with a new race winner crowned for the fifth time in five races this season. Maximilian Guenther, piloting for Maserati MSG Racing, emerged victorious after a strategic battle with polesitter Oliver Rowland of Nissan.
The race, held for the first time in Japanese history, took place under the watchful eyes of dignitaries like Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike. Adding to the event’s glamor was a star-studded audience featuring Formula 1 talent Yuki Tsunoda, Sung Kang from Fast & Furious, motorsport legends, and celebrities.
Guenther’s path to victory wasn’t straightforward. Despite Rowland leading the initial stages, Guenther cleverly used the slipstream technique to conserve energy. This strategic manoeuvre allowed him to surge ahead on Lap 24 and claim the lead. Rowland fought back fiercely, attempting to reclaim the top spot on the final lap, but Guenther held strong, securing his fifth career win and Maserati MSG Racing’s first win since Season 9.
This race further emphasizes the intense competition in Season 10. Every race has seen a different team and driver triumph, with the top three positions often decided by mere seconds. Even the entire pack stays remarkably close, typically within 10 seconds of each other.
Championship leader Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team) maintained his position despite finishing behind Guenther. Reigning Drivers’ Champion Jake Dennis of Andretti Formula E Team secured a podium finish, while his teammate Nick Cassidy displayed impressive driving, climbing from 19th on the grid to finish seventh (though Edo Mortara, who initially finished seventh, was disqualified later). The current Team Championship standings see Jaguar TCS Racing leading with 100 points, followed by TAG Heuer Porsche.
Tokyo also witnessed a special moment with Sung Kang taking the wheel of a cutting-edge GEN3 car. Kang’s passion for automobiles was evident as he expertly navigated the challenging Tokyo street circuit. The presence of celebrities and motorsport legends like Emerson Fittipaldi, Takuma Sato, Emilia Hartford, and Yuki Tsunoda further amplified the event’s significance.
The ABB FIA Formula E World championship continues with the 2024 Misano E-Prix double-header on 13th-14th April.
Tokyo E-Prix – Results
- Position: 1, Maximilian Günther (Team MASERATI MSG RACING), Time: 0:53:34:665 secs, Points: 26
- Position: 2, Oliver Rowland (Team NISSAN FORMULA E TEAM), Time: 0:53:35:420 secs, Points: 21
- Position: 3, Jake Dennis (Team ANDRETTI FORMULA E), Time: 0:53:36:070 secs, Points: 15
- Position: 4, António Félix Da Costa (Team TAG HEUER PORSCHE FORMULA E TEAM), Time: 0:53:36:487 secs, Points: 12
- Position: 5, Pascal Wehrlein (Team TAG HEUER PORSCHE FORMULA E TEAM), Time: 0:53:38:562 secs, Points: 10
Driver Standings after Tokyo E-Prix
- Position 1:Pascal Wehrlein, Points: 63
- Position 2:Nick Cassidy, Points: 61
- Position 3:Oliver Rowland, Points: 54
Team Standings after Tokyo E-Prix
- Position 1: JAGUAR TCS RACING, Points 100
- Position 2: TAG HEUER PORSCHE FORMULA E TEAM, Points: 83
- Position 3: ANDRETTI FORMULA E, Points: 70
Race statistics reference: https://mediacentre.fiaformulae.com/results#season=season10&event=56
Content Credit: FIA Formula E Press Release