Formula E in Tokyo: Nyck de Vries wins, team-mate Mortara causes a red flag

Mahindra’s Nyck de Vries secured victory in Sunday’s Formula E race on the streets of Tokyo. The race was marked by a full-course yellow following an incident involving Pepe Marti. Pole-sitter Edoardo Mortara, along with Joel Eriksson, caused a red flag. The two Porsches driven by Nico Müller and Pascal Wehrlein finished the race in eighth and 15th position. Max Günther at least secured one point with a tenth-place finish.

 

At 8.05 pm local time (1.05 pm CEST) sharp, the 20 Formula E drivers got underway for the second race of the Tokyo "double-header", which consisted of 33 laps. Despite the sunset, it was still quite warm in the Japanese metropolis. The outside temperature at the circuit was 28 dgrees. Mahindra’s Edoardo Mortara had secured pole position in qualifying a few hours earlier, after the third free practice session that morning had been cancelled due to heavy rain. Behind him, Antonio Felix da Costa and Dan Ticktum started the race.

The track was still quite wet at the start, which is why the first lap was completed behind the safety car. The race then got underway with a standing start. The race director announced in advance that burnouts were not permitted.

Antonio Felix da Costa was the first driver to activate Attack Mode on lap three, followed by two Porsches and Oliver Rowland. Jean-Eric Vergne followed suit shortly afterwards. Felix da Costa had worked his way to the front of the field using Attack Mode and was told by his team that he was free to use energy. He gradually built up a comfortable lead.

Buemi and Nato collided side-on at Turn 18. Both drivers appeared to have escaped the incident unscathed. The incident was, however, noted by the race control.

Wet conditions led to poorer grip

During the race, Ticktum complained about his car’s grip. His team appeared to have anticipated wetter conditions during the race and had set up the car accordingly. However, the track dried out at an ever-increasing rate. This left Ticktum vulnerable, and he was overtaken by Barnad on lap 11, with Mitch Evans then applying heavy pressure from fifth place behind him.

Mortara, Felix da Costa and Evans were issued with a warning for failing to comply with the Race Director’s instructions. The three had performed unauthorised burnouts at the start of the race.

Marti comes to a halt on the track

On lap 16, the yellow flag was waved at turns 16 and 17. Pepe Marti in the Cupra Kiro had come to a stop after the Spaniard had hit the barrier with the front of his car. Buemi had not left the Spaniard enough space to turn in properly. A full-course yellow followed. It was announced that the situation will be investigated in more detail after the race.

Once the race was given the green light again, Evans and Mortara had built up a substantial lead at the front of the field.

On lap 20, Taylor Barnard used Attack Mode to overtake the leader, Felix da Costa. His former mentor and reigning world champion, Oliver Rowland, then found himself behind him. Felix da Costa and Mortara, who had started from pole position, were close behind.

Attack Mode battles

Rowland was leading by a clear gap, with Barnard, in Attack Mode, and Vergne battling behind him. Once Barnard’s Attack Mode time had expired, he was quickly caught by Vergne and then by his Citroen team-mate Cassidy. Meanwhile, de Vries had activated Attack Mode and took the lead from Rowland. Cassidy followed and moved into second place. An extra lap was added to the race. Using Attack Mode, Jake Dennis overtook Vergne and found himself in third place, behind Cassidy and de Vries.

Mortara and Eriksson cause a red flag

A double yellow was waved at Turns 5 and 6. Three cars had collided, blocking the path for the other drivers. Mortara had crashed into the rear of Eriksson’s Envision, spinning the green car. Felix da Costa’s Jaguar also made contact with the rear of the Mahindra.

The double yellow subsequently turned into a red flag. The race resumed behind the safety car with a rolling start, but not much changed in the end. Nyck de Vries crossed the finish line as the winner, closely followed by Nick Cassidy and Jake Dennis.

The top 10 was completed by Rowland, Vergne, Nato, Buemi, Müller, Barnard and Günther.

Manufacturers’ Championship decided & new championship leader

With the second race in Tokyo completed, Porsche was able clinched the Manufacturers’ Championship. Furthermore, Andretti driver Mitch Evans managed to snatch the championship lead from Mitch Evans.

The final 'double-header’ of the Formula E season will then take place in three weeks’ time in the English capital, London.

Results & Times

Overall standings (riders, teams & manufacturers)