Formula E in Tokyo: Dan Ticktum wins, Wehrlein loses the championship lead

Dan Ticktum won Formula E’s first night race in Tokyo. The Cupra Kiro driver overtook Jake Dennis on the final lap, despite a no-attack pact between the two drivers. Germany’s Pascal Wehrlein was unable to finish the race following contact with his former team-mate Antonio Felix da Costa. His Porsche team-mate Nico Müller finished the race in 18th place, whilst Max Günther also failed to score points, finishing in 15th place.

On Saturday evening (13:05 CEST), Formula E took to the track under floodlights in Tokyo for the first time. During qualifying, which had taken place four hours earlier, Andretti driver Jake Dennis had secured pole position in a thrilling duel against his strong rival Edoardo Mortara in the Mahindra.

The race was scheduled for 36 laps, featuring the "Pit Boost" mid-race charging stop.

Multiple Collisions

The race got underway after sun set, with temperatures at 27 degrees. Early on, there was contact between Müller and Felix da Costa. Müller got away with a puncture. The Swiss driver then pitted quickly, but was then able to return to the track. Zane Maloney drove into the its early on to serve his 10-second penalty. Nyck de Vries also had to pit following a collision with Sebastien Buemi. The Swiss driver in the Envision received a five-second penalty for the incident.

Taylor Barnard had already worked his way up two places at the start and was battling it out amongst the top three. This made him the driver who had made up the most places in the leading group.

In Turn 7, there was a minor collision involving Norman Nato, Pascal Wehrlein and Max Günther: Nato clipped the side of Günther’s DS Penske car, and then made contact with the rear of Wehrlein’s Porsche. The Frenchman received a five-second penalty for the incident.

On lap 14, Sebastien Buemi was the first to activate Attack Mode and used the extra power to work his way up to second place.

A premature end to the race for championship leader Wehrlein

Wehrlein and Felix da Costa made contact. As a result of the collision, Felix da Costa’s nose drove straight forward into the barrier. Wehrlein drove away with a damaged front wing. The German drove into the pits shortly afterwards for his Pit Boost, though his nose remained untouched. He returned to the track with a damaged front wing, but then pulled back into the garage and got out of the car. It was a heavy blow for the championship leader, who was subsequently also handed a time penalty for the contact.

By lap 26, all drivers had taken their Pit Boost, and Dan Ticktum had worked his way to the front of the field using Attack Mode. Fierce battles ensued, with Ticktum blocking Dennis and making it difficult for him to pass. However, with Attack Mode activated, Dennis – who had started from pole – managed to overtake the Cupra Kiro. Cassidy had, in the meantime, worked his way up to third place. Mitch Evans was also applying pressure from the midfield and made his way up the field after activating Attack Mode. Once the extra power had run out, he found himself in fifth place and managed to make up another position towards the end. With Evans in the points, the German Wehrlein lost the World Championship lead to Evans.

Dennis and Ticktum fought hard

A no-attack pact was agreed between Dennis in the lead and Ticktum right behind him, but on the final lap the Brit in the Cupra Kiro overtook Dennis and secured victory. Dennis finished the race in second place, whilst Nick Cassidy took the final podium spot.

The top 10 was rounded off by Evans, Mortara, Vergne, Rowland, Marti, Felix da Costa and Barnard.

Tomorrow, the action continues in Tokyo with the second part of the ‘double-header’. The third free practice session is scheduled for 6.30 am CEST.

Results, starting grid & lap times

Results & lap times

Championship standings (drivers, teams & manufacturers)