The second ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race in Tokyo once again showcased the intensity that defines Formula E. With constantly evolving track conditions, contrasting Attack Mode strategies and a late red flag disrupting the TDK Tokyo E-Prix just two laps from the finish, the fifteenth round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship delivered excitement until the very end. Having already stood on the podium in third place in Saturday’s night race, Kiwi Nick Cassidy moved up one place coming home in second in the Sunday’s race.
“I’m really happy to be back on the podium here in Tokyo,” said Cassidy. “Japan has always been a very special place for me, so achieving this result in front of these fans means a lot. It has been an incredibly difficult week for everyone in the team, but the way we came together and supported each other was remarkable.
“I’m proud that we were able to reward all of that hard work with a double podium finish for the team, and hopefully we can keep this momentum going.”
Mahindra Racing’s Nyck de Vries got his setup just right to fire from fifth to victory in mixed conditions, heading home Citroen Racing’s Nick Cassidy and Andretti’s Jake Dennis, with title contenders Pascal Wehrlein (Porsche) and Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) failing to score.
Dennis was able to take advantage of Pascal Werhlein’s misery, with a second non-score for the Porsche driver in as many rounds in Tokyo leaving him third in the running. Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) failed to finish today, too, and having provisionally led the running earlier in the race, he leaves Tokyo two points behind Dennis in second.
Following a morning of heavy rain that led to the cancellation of Free Practice 3, qualifying took place on a constantly evolving circuit. Despite encouraging pace, Jean-Éric Vergne and Nick Cassidy narrowly missed out on the Duels and lined up twelfth and thirteenth on the grid respectively.
With conditions remaining highly unpredictable, Citroën Racing Formula E Team once again opted for split strategies to cover multiple race scenarios. Jean-Éric Vergne chose to deploy his first Attack Mode early in the race to move quickly through the field, while Cassidy adopted a more conservative approach, focusing on energy saving in order to maximise his pace during the closing stages.
Although the race started behind the Safety Car, both drivers were determined to gain positions once racing got underway. As the circuit gradually dried, the team’s strategies began to pay off. Thanks to strong pace and efficient energy management, Vergne steadily climbed through the order to break into the top five.
Meanwhile, Cassidy made full use of his Attack Mode during the second half of the race to complete a series of decisive overtakes. In a race where the gaps remained incredibly close, the New Zealander fought his way into second place, while Vergne was running in third.
With just two laps remaining, a major multi-car incident involving several cars further down the field brought out the red flag, temporarily suspending the race. Following a short interruption, the race resumed for a dramatic one-lap sprint to the finish.
Under pressure from Jake Dennis (Andretti), Nick Cassidy kept his composure to secure an outstanding second-place finish. Jean-Éric Vergne crossed the line in fifth after another strong, albeit frustrating, race. His well-executed strategy and impressive recovery drive in extremely challenging conditions were ultimately offset by insufficient remaining energy to defend against rivals in the closing stages.
With a second and fifth-place finish, Citroën Racing Formula E Team concluded its Japanese weekend with another major points haul, confirming the progress shown over recent rounds and heading into the final double-header of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in London with growing momentum.
At the end of an emotional and challenging week, Citroën Racing Formula E Team leaves Japan with 166 championship points and fifth place in the Teams’ Championship, concluding the Asian leg of the season with strong momentum and renewed confidence. For reference, the team was seventh in the standings following the Shanghai E-Prix.
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