Tokyo E-Prix: The XXL preview of the race weekend in Japan’s capital

As was the case in Shanghai, Tokyo is now set to host the third E-Prix in a row. In Season 12, however, fans are in for a real treat: for the first time, the races will be held under floodlights – making the Tokyo E-Prix a night race! Following on from Jeddah, the race in the Japanese capital will mark the second night-time race weekend on the Formula E calendar and promises to be an absolute highlight just before the end of the season.

Where exactly is the race taking place?

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and, with around 33.4 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area, one of the world’s largest megacities. Much like Formula E, the metropolis combines tradition with modernity and progress through its historic temples and fascinating skyscrapers. It is therefore hardly surprising that the all-electric racing series is returning to Japan for the third year running.

Take a closer look at the Tokyo street circuit 🇯🇵#TDKTokyoEPrix #FormulaE pic.twitter.com/7xnhMFO9et

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 22, 2026

Quick Stats: Tokyo E-Prix

• Formula E has already held three races in Tokyo, but there has been just one pole-sitter: Oliver Rowland in the Nissan started from pole position in all three races.
• British drivers have been very successful in Tokyo so far: in addition to Rowland’s three pole positions, six out of nine podium finishes have gone to drivers from the United Kingdom. Rowland has also stood on the podium three times, whilst Jake Dennis, Taylor Barnard and Dan Ticktum have each finished third once.
• However, the most successful team in Tokyo is Citroën Racing, which at the time was still known as Maserati MSG Racing: Max Günther won the race in 2024, whilst Stoffel Vandoorne triumphed in the first race of 2025.
• Tokyo has not been a happy hunting ground for Jaguar so far: the team has scored just twelve points here, all courtesy of Nick Cassidy. Mitch Evans retired twice in the three races and finished 15th on one occasion.

TV & Live stream: Where is the Tokyo E-Prix being broadcast?

The Tokyo E-Prix is a ‘double-header’ and will take place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July 2026. The race weekend begins with the first free practice session on Friday at 12:00 am. Action continues on Saturday at 6:30 am with the second free practice session, followed by qualifying at 8:40 am. The race starts at 1:05 pm.

On Sunday, the race day begins at 6.30 am with the third free practice session. As on the previous day, qualifying follows at 8.40 am, so that the race can start at 1.05 pm.

As always, you can follow all the sessions of the race weekend on our popular Formula E live ticker.

All times are in Central European Summer Time (CEST)

What makes the Tokyo circuit so special?

The Tokyo Street Circuit is a 2.575-kilometre-long race track with a total of 18 corners, running directly along the waterfront promenade of Tokyo Bay around the Big Sight exhibition centre. The circuit is regarded by drivers as extremely challenging, as it combines long straights with tight chicanes and fast sequences of bends. The next innovation is set for 2026: for the first time, the circuit will be fully floodlit, transforming it into a spectacular night-race circuit.

In what order do the drivers take part in qualifying?

In Formula E, qualifying takes place in two stages: the group stage and the knockout stage. For the group qualifying session, the field is first divided into two halves, with all drivers in the odd-numbered championship positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, etc.) competing in Group A, and those in the even-numbered positions in Group B.

The four drivers in each group who have set the fastest lap times after ten minutes then progress to the quarter-finals, where they compete head-to-head for the best starting positions. This results in the following groups for the first race in Tokyo.

Weather forecast: Summer in Japan

If you take a look at the weather forecast for the weekend in Tokyo, you won’t be disappointed: temperatures just below the 30-degree mark, a slightly cloudy sky and a zero per cent chance of rain. A weather report could hardly be better. Summer in Japan promises perfect racing conditions – so this time, the weather is unlikely to have any unpredictable impact on the race action.

Who are the favourites?

As in previous races, Pascal Wehrlein and Mitch Evans are among the absolute top favourites. The two frontrunners are leading the thrilling battle for the World Championship. As Tokyo is the final stop before the grand season finale in London, every single point counts in the title race.

Oliver Rowland is also heading to Japan with excellent prospects. His team Nissan’s home race is a very special source of motivation for the reigning world champion, who remains fully committed to successfully defending his title.

Maximilian Günther is also considered a hot tip for Tokyo. The German won the very first race on the spectacular street circuit back in 2024. Even though he has scored fewer points than the absolute frontrunners so far this season, the challenging layout in Tokyo suits him particularly well.

Do you think someone else will win? Then take part in the free community prediction game on Kicktipp and prove your Formula E know-how!