Formula E in Saudi Arabia: 3rd free practice goes to Mitch Evans & Jaguar, Dan Ticktum strong again

Mitch Evans has won the 3rd free practice session of Formula E at the Diriyya E-Prix. With his last attempt on Saturday morning, the Jaguar driver still ousted Dan Ticktum, who had set the pace for long stretches. Third place went to Jean-Eric Vergne. Best German was Rene Rast in 6th position.

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In bright sunshine, the 22 drivers set off at 11:30 am (CET) in the only practice session of Saturday. After one minute, the first already stopped: ABT Cupra driver Kelvin van der Linde rolled out after a few corners. However, he managed to restart his systems and continued on his own. He reported a brake problem on the radio. Maserati MSG Racing had built a new chassis for Max Guenther overnight, allowing the German to take part in FP3 after missing the Friday race.

After the first five minutes, the two Nio 333 drivers led the timesheet, but the track was visibly getting faster. At the front, as on Friday, the two McLaren and Jaguar drivers as well as Jake Dennis (Andretti) were mixing it up. Rookie Jake Hughes in particular set the fastest times in all three sectors. Sebastien Buemi set the first 1:09 lap time after twelve minutes, still half a second off his own Gen3 track record. Andre Lotterer, meanwhile, suffered a severe braking incident at turn 18 and turned around in the run-off zone.

Di Grassi strikes but can continue

Lucas di Grassi also went into the rear of turn 18 at far too high a speed and hit the side of the TecPro barrier. He headed for the pits to have his Mahindra inspected. Apparently, however, the car had not sustained any serious damage. The fastest times continued to tumble: Dan Ticktum set a new Gen3 record with twelve minutes to go. Behind him: Buemi, Stoffel Vandoorne and Sette Camara. The two Maserati drivers Edo Mortara and Günther were also in better shape than the day before, taking 5th and 6th place at this stage.

Then it got a little quieter. Norman Nato and Rene Rast alone delivered good times that pushed the two Nissan-powered drivers up to positions 2 and 3. It wasn't until two minutes before the end that there was another notable improvement: Jean-Eric Vergne climbed to 2nd place.

Now, once again, all drivers except di Grassi took to the track to improve. Mitch Evans unpacked the "hammer" and drove a good one and a half tenths of a second faster than Ticktum - clear best time! Jaguar teammate Sam Bird still made it into the top 5. Ticktum tried to counter again, but misjudged in turn 18. Nothing else happened. The 3rd free practice thus went to Evans.

Style it out, @DanTicktum ?#DiriyahEPrix pic.twitter.com/cwceHy2YU4

- ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) January 28, 2023

Qualifying for the second Formula E race in Saudi Arabia starts at 13:40 (CET). The Kolleg:innen of ran.de broadcast the session in livestream, we are as usual with our popular Hankook Formula E Liveticker for you there.

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Results & Times

Overall ranking (drivers & teams)