The Formula E World Championship title showdown double-header in London is underway, with Mitch Evans the fastest of the leading title contenders in the opening practice session in fourth overall.
All 22 drivers took to the track for the 30-minute session at the unique indoor-outdoor ExCeL Circuit, which DS Penske’s Jean-Eric Vergne topped.
Less than one-tenth separated the top four drivers, with Vergne’s 1:11.319 just 0.028s better than Envision’s Sebastien Buemi.
McLaren’s Jake Hughes was a further 0.03s behind in third, only 0.007s faster than Evans. Envision’s Robin Frijns completed the top five.
Championship leader Nick Cassidy finished four-tenths off the pace in 11th but was two places ahead of title contender Pascal Wehrlein, who enters the round tied on points with Evans in second.
Antonio Felix Da Costa, who sits fourth in the standings having won four of the last five races, including both outings last time out in Portland, was seventh quickest.
Just 12 points separate Cassidy, Evans and Wehrlein entering the round, with Da Costa a further 21 points adrift but with momentum on his side following three consecutive victories.
A maximum of 58 points are up for grabs across the final two qualifying sessions and races of 2024.
Nissan’s Oliver Rowland, Vergne, and reigning champion Jake Dennis remain mathematically in contention entering the round but need other results to go in their favour.
New Zealand’s Cassidy and Evans took one win apiece at the same venue in the 2022/23 season-finale.
The Team’s Championship is also up for grabs in London. The All-Kiwi lineup at Jaguar TCS Racing has built a 33-point advantage over Porsche, with third-placed DS Penske over 100 points adrift of the leading two outfits.
The Manufacturer’s crown will also be determined, with Porsche-powered machinery (Porsche & Penske) leading Jaguar (Jaguar TCS Racing & Envision) by 19 points.
Formula E returns in London for Practice 2 at 8.55 pm NZST on Saturday before qualifying at 11:00 pm and Race 1 at 3:00 am.
Sunday follows an identical schedule, with Practice 3 at 8.55 pm preceding qualifying at 11.00 pm and the season-finale at 3.00 am on Monday.
All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.
Header Image: Formula E
