Formula E in Jakarta: Max Günther dominates with new track record in 3rd Free Practice session

After FP1, FP2 and Saturday qualifying, Max Günther also ended the third free practice session of the Formula E weekend in Jakarta quickest. The Maserati driver dominated with a lead of more than three tenths of a second over second-placed Jake Dennis (Andretti), setting a new track record in Indonesia. Edo Mortara in the second Maserati finished third. Previous day's winner Pascal Wehrlein (Porsche) ended the session in sixth place.

In relatively hazy conditions, Formula E started its third free practice session early on Saturday morning (3:10 CEST). For the drivers and teams, this time it was about implementing the findings from the previous day to putting themselves in a good position for qualifying. After the first laps, familiar names from the Saturday race were at the top: Jean-Eric Vergne led ahead of Jake Dennis and Stoffel Vandoorne. Following behind after the first ten minutes were Nissan drivers Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato.

Then Rene Rast joined the leading group, with McLaren teammate Jake Hughes following immediately behind. Dennis set a new best time, following which Max Günther also turned up the wick. The German, who had won both practice sessions and all parts of qualifying for Saturday's race, settled into second place. However, no one had yet matched Günther's best time from the previous day in the qualifying final (1:08.141 minutes).

On board with yesterday's Gulavit #JakartaEPrix winner, @PWehrlein in FP3 ? pic.twitter.com/lzGzoEDXaV

- ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) June 4, 2023

Günther cracks Gen2 lap record

Fenestraz achieved this after 18 minutes: The Franco-Argentine set the first 1:07 time of the weekend with three sector bests. With ten minutes to go, he topped the timesheet ahead of Dennis, Günther and Edo Mortara. Behind them two drivers who had failed to make a mark on Saturday slotted in: Sebastien Buemi and Lucas di Grassi. Then Günther flexed his muscles again and broke the Jakarta Formula E track record with a lap time of 1:07.552 minutes!

Five minutes before time expired, all the drivers took to the track once again, primarily to complete their 350 kW laps. Nico Müller lightly touched the wall with his left rear tire during his attempt, but was able to continue. Dan Ticktum worked his magic with a purple first sector, but was unable to improve his lap time to put him P10. Some drivers still optimized their personal best times, including Saturday's winner Pascal Wehrlein, who finished sixth. But no one was able to match Günther's lap.

So the Maserati driver kept his clean slate in Indonesia and also ended the third Free Practice quickest - ahead of Dennis, Mortara, Fenestraz and Sam Bird. Qualifying on Jakarta Sunday starts at 5:40 a.m. (CEST). The race start is again set for 10 a.m. (CEST).

Results & times

Overall standings (drivers & teams)