Envision Racing sign off in London with a solid points haul and 4th place for Buemi

Sébastien Buemi and Robin Frijns helped Envision Racing secure 6th place in the Teams’ Championship with a measured performance in the season-ending London E-Prix 

A long, and sometimes trying season for Envision Racing was brought to a close on home soil at the London E-Prix. And once again, both drivers looked quick as the championship battle took centre stage.

A late season resurgence has seen Envision Racing team score three podiums in the final four races, leaving the question, what could have been? By the end of Sunday’s race, after once again making the duels in qualifying, the Envision Racing duo of Sébastien Buemi and Robin Frijns claimed fourth and eighth respectively after a dramatic season finale in which Buemi surged from 17th on the grid to narrowly missing out on a podium.

Crucially, the result meant that Envision Racing end the season with sixth place in the Teams’ Championship. The team started the afternoon just four points ahead of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. However, after 37 laps of ExCeL London, those two strong finishes were more than enough to see the Green Machine consolidate that final position.

QUALIFYING

Both Envision Racing drivers were competing in qualifying Group A, and it was Frijns’ turn to shine. The Dutch driver posted the fourth fastest time in the dying seconds of the session to make it into the quarter finals.

And in the opening knock-out duel, Frijns faced off against championship hopeful Nick Cassidy. The two Jaguar-powered drivers slogged it out, and after a closely-fought lap it was Cassidy who prevailed, meaning Frijns would start fifth in the final race of the year.

THE RACE

Nick Cassidy made the best start from the front, leading the field into the daylight as Frijns held on to fifth place behind Wehrlein. At the beginning of lap two, the relatively sedate start was interrupted by a coming together between Edoardo Mortara and Jake Dennis at turn three, leading to a safety car intervention.

At the restart, the leading Jaguar duo looked to swap positions, with Evans harassing leader Cassidy. Behind, Wehrlein, Maximilian Günther and Frijns looked to take advantage of any issue just as the McLaren of Sam Bird crashed out, triggering a second safety car, and crucially boosting Envision Racing’s chances of sealing seventh place in the Teams’ Championship. 

As the race restarted and settled into a rhythm, by lap 15, Frijns assumed sixth place, behind Jean-Éric Vergne. Starting 17th, team-mate Buemi made great progress, holding 11th place, and crucially, keeping out of trouble. At the front, the three championship contenders, Evans, Cassidy and Wehrlein slogged it out as things got increasingly frantic.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Frijns. On lap 17, the Envision Racing man slipped back from sixth, dropping to ninth, just one place behind team-mate Buemi. A couple of laps later, it was Buemi’s turn to lead the team’s charge as he moved up to eighth, with Frijns dropping to ninth.

By lap 23, Buemi’s progress saw the Swiss driver climb up to seventh, as Frijns held on to the final points-paying position in 10th.  One lap later, as Attack Mode advantages evened themselves out, the two Envision Racing cars were once again line astern in eighth and ninth.

As championship leader Wehrlein looked to snatch the lead from Evans, it was disaster for Cassidy in a chaotic sequence of events which saw the Jaguar driver end up in the pits with damage. Rowland subsequently claimed the lead, with Buemi and Envision Racing benefiting hugely as the race entered its closing phase. At the restart, Buemi held fifth, and Frijns ninth place, as three laps were added to the initial 34-lap race duration. 

As Rowland headed the field, Buemi found himself in fourth place by lap 34, behind the sister Jaguar-powered car of title hopeful Evans.

An added complication for Evans relating to the amount of Attack Mode needed to be used before the chequered flag hampered the Kiwi’s charge as Buemi followed in fourth. At the front, as Rowland took the win, Wehrlein claimed second place, and with it his maiden Formula E crown. Evans rounded out the podium with Buemi a fantastic fourth and Frijns a solid eighth. 

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 16):
1. Pascal Wehrlein, 199pts
2. Mitch Evans, 192pts
3. Nick Cassidy, 176pts
4. Oliver Rowland, 156pts
5. António Félix da Costa, 144pts
9. Robin Frijns, 64pts
11. Sébastien Buemi, 53pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 16):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 368pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 343pts
3. DS Penske, 196pts
4. Nissan, 182pts
5. Andretti Formula E, 169pts
6. Envision Racing, 119pts

Buemi back back on the podium for Envision Racing in London

Envision Racing’s Sébastien Buemi qualified 2nd and ran at the front before claiming 3rd place in the opening race of the London E-Prix double-header on Saturday

The opening race of the season-ending London E-Prix saw a strong qualifying and a satisfying race result for former champion Sébastien Buemi. After battling it out for pole position, it looked like a return to the podium for the Envision Racing driver for the first time since the opening race of the season in Mexico was just out of reach.

That was until a late-race mechanical issue hit Maximilian Günther in third, handing a podium-paying place back to Buemi, ensuring vital points for Envision Racing as they overtake McLaren in the Teams’ Standings.

It was disappointment in London for Buemi’s team-mate Robin Frijns, however. Despite a strong qualifying, his race ended on lap one – with the force of the incident meaning he later went to the hospital for medical checks.

QUALIFYING 

Building on the momentum from the last double-header weekend in Portland, both Envision Racing drivers looked quick in qualifying for the weekend’s opening race in London. So quick in fact, that both Buemi and Frijns made it into the duels with the second and fourth fastest times respectively.

Buemi took on Nissan’s Oliver Rowland in the first quarter final, beating the Brit and progressing to the semi final phase. Frijns followed. The Envision Racing man took on championship hopeful Pascal Wehrlein. After a hotly-contested lap, Wehrlein just about did enough, knocking Frijns out, meaning he would start eighth in London.

Flying the flag for Envision Racing, Buemi faced off with Wehrlein in the first semi-final. The Swiss driver was quick, and knocked out the Porsche driver, ending up almost half a second quicker to seal a place in the final.

Buemi took on the Kiwi driver Mitch Evans in the final, and after a close battle of the Jaguar-powered cars, it was Evans who claimed pole position, denying Buemi a record-equalling 17th pole position. 

THE RACE

At the start it was pole-sitter Evans who made the best start as Buemi slotted into second as the pack streamed its way from the indoor section and into daylight. Frijns’ race came to an end in the barriers halfway around the opening lap, triggering a safety car.

At the restart, Buemi slotted back in behind Evans, followed by Norman Nato. The smooth action didn’t last long as a pair of incidents, involving four cars, necessitated a couple of lengthy yellow flag periods. 

At the start of lap five, Buemi moved into the lead for the first time and stayed there, with Evans slotted in behind, followed by Wehrlein in third. Buemi elected to take his first Attack Mode phase on lap 16, dropping to second and releasing Evans into the lead. It was back to Buemi leading one lap later as Evans took Attack Mode.

It was all change at the end of  lap 20 of the scheduled 37-lap duration, as Buemi slipped from first to third with Evans leading from Wehrlein. Things changed again two laps later as Wehrlein snatched the lead at the start of lap 22, offering Buemi a grandstand view in third. 

Buemi dropped to fourth on lap 26 as he took another Attack Mode, with Günther moving up into third. Up front, a dramatic duel between Evans and Wehrlein saw the latter prevail and start to establish a commanding lead entering the final 10 laps.

A late-race safety car closed up the pack as two laps were added to the original race distance, and at the restart a mechanical incident for third-place man Günther dramatically handed third place back to Buemi – and that stricken car, combined with an incident featuring the second Maserati ultimately triggered a full-course yellow.

Entering the final lap of the race, it was Wehrlein who claimed the victory, also assuming the championship lead, ahead of Evans, with Buemi taking a superb third place with more to come on Sunday.

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 15):
1. Pascal Wehrlein, 180pts
2. Mitch Evans, 177pts
3. Nick Cassidy, 173pts
4. António Félix da Costa, 134pts
5. Oliver Rowland, 131pts
9. Robin Frijns, 60pts
15. Sébastien Buemi, 41pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 15):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 350pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 315pts
3. DS Penske, 186pts
4. Andretti Formula E, 169pts
5. Nissan, 157pts
6. Envision Racing, 103pts

On-song Envision Racing look for successful sign-off as season finale arrives

After a double podium weekend in Portland, the team will look to go one better in a home race weekend at the London E-Prix

Defending champions Envision Racing enter the final two races of the 2023–24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in great form after a tough season on the track.

Despite preparing to wave goodbye to their Teams’ Championship crown at the season-ending London E-Prix, Envision Racing will have positives to take from the season that was. Following a succession of races in 2024 where the pace was there but sadly not the luck, both drivers will be relishing the challenge at the unique London ExCeL Circuit, especially after a superb weekend in North America.

Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns enjoyed a stellar weekend last time out at the double-header Portland E-Prix with back-to-back second place finishes. Heading into the London E-Prix weekend, the Dutch driver sits ninth in the standings, just 13 points behind Maserati driver Maximilian Günther. Frijns will be looking to overhaul the German driver’s points total in the final two races of the year.

There is also plenty to play for in the Teams’ Championship rankings. Envision Racing sit just seven points behind the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, and a strong performance from Frijns and Sébastien Buemi could see the team in green pip their British rivals to sixth place in the standings.

The challenge in London

The London ExCeL Circuit throws a unique challenge at drivers, demanding both precision and grit. Unlike any other top-level motor racing circuit, the race begins indoors. Drivers experience the initially silky-smooth surface, offering exceptional grip, allowing them to push their machines to the limit. But this sense of control is short-lived.

A quick succession of corners tests their reflexes and car control before they’re spat back out into the open air and either the sunny London skies and a dry track, or clouds and a wet surface. Added to this, drivers must contend with a treacherous strip of slippy metal right at the exit, demanding absolute focus to avoid a costly spin.

The highly abrasive asphalt surrounding the ExCeL exhibition centre quickly wears down tires, forcing drivers to manage their energy consumption meticulously. However, this harsh surface also presents an opportunity. The flowing set of chicanes in the outside section becomes a prime battleground for overtaking manoeuvres. Drivers brave enough can exploit the abrasive surface to make daring passes and shake up the race order.

After a quick dash down a straight, they’re met with more tricky corners, another test of car control before they plunge back into the main hall. The dramatic shift in lighting as they re-enter the building can catch out the unaware, and even the most seasoned driver, adding another layer of complexity to this already demanding circuit.

With its constant changes in surface texture, elevation, and even lighting, the London ExCeL Circuit is a true test of a driver’s adaptability. It’s a circuit that rewards precision and punishes even the slightest miscalculation, making it a fan favourite for its potential for dramatic racing and unexpected twists.

Last time out in Portland

The scorching Pacific Northwest sun greeted Envision Racing for Round, turning the already demanding Portland International Raceway into a broiling crucible for drivers and machines. But amidst the heat, Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns delivered a performance that simmered with promise and ultimately boiled over into a well-deserved podium finish, his third of 2024.

Frijns’ weekend started strong. His qualifying prowess shone through as he secured a spot in the semi-finals, narrowly missing out on pole position to Norman Nato. This third-place starting position set the stage for a thrilling race.

From the green flag, Frijns was a force to be reckoned with. He firmly established himself amongst the frontrunners, consistently battling for a coveted podium spot throughout the early stages. His skill and strategy were evident as he skillfully navigated the tight corners and long straights of the circuit.

Just as the race reached its climax, a dramatic turn of events unfolded. A penalty handed to the initial race winner, Mitch Evans, propelled Frijns into second place, marking a triumphant return to the podium for the first time since February’s Diriyah E-Prix.

In race two Frijns continued to shine in the second Portland E-Prix.  Frijns once again showcased his raw speed by progressing to the knockout stages of qualifying and qualifying third on the grid.

He mirrored his Saturday performance by launching himself into the thick of the battle at the front of the pack.  Throughout the race, Frijns looked good for the win, displaying race-winning pace, and whilst a win ultimately eluded him, Frijns crossed the line in a well-deserved second place, securing a fantastic double podium for the weekend.  

This impressive performance injected a surge of momentum into Envision Racing as the team heads to the season-defining double-header in London, boosted by a strong ninth place for team-mate Buemi after a tough weekend for the Swiss driver.  With Frijns on fire and the team hungry for success, the final two rounds promise to be an electrifying spectacle.

Where and when to watch the London E-Prix

(All times BST)

Round 15

Free Practice 1 Saturday 19 July – 16:55 – 17:45

Free Practice 2 Saturday 20 July – 09:55 – 10:45

Qualifying Saturday 20 July – 12:20 – 13:43

E-Prix Saturday 20 July 17:03 – 18:30

Round 16

Free Practice 3 Sunday 21 July – 09:55 – 10:45

Qualifying Sunday 21 July – 12:20 – 13:43

E-Prix Sunday 21 July 17:03 – 18:30

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Nick Cassidy, 167pts
2. Mitch Evans, 155pts
3. Pascal Wehrlein, 155pts
4. António Félix da Costa, 134pts
5. Oliver Rowland, 131pts
9. Robin Frijns, 60pts
15. Sébastien Buemi, 26pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 322pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 289pts
3. DS Penske, 184pts
4. Andretti Formula E, 168pts
5. Nissan, 157pts
7. Envision Racing, 88pts

Back-to-back podiums and a fastest lap in Portland for Frijns!

A brace of second place finishes and race-winning pace underline a strong Portland E-Prix weekend for Envision Racing

Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns once again starred in qualifying for the second race of the Portland E-Prix double-header. After starting third in the opening race of the weekend, Frijns again progressed to the knock-out phase, ending up with the fourth fastest time.

In the race, in a repeat of Saturday’s action, Frijns ran at the front, regularly leading the race and showing race-winning pace. And after a bold and artful display, Frijns ended his weekend in the Pacific Northwest with a pair of second places, and heads to the final two rounds of the championship in London with plenty of momentum.

Frijns’ team-mate Sébastien Buemi made extraordinary progress throughout the early phases of Sunday’s race. Starting 17th, by lap six, the Envision Racing driver found himself in the top three, and could have been in contention for the victory, only for a penalty to scupper his chances.

Buemi did superbly to fight back and claim ninth to boost the team after a difficult season.

THE RACE

When the lights went out to start round 14 of the 2023–24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, pole-sitter Jean-Éric Vergne lost out to António Félix da Costa, as Frijns gained a place and snatched third. Further back, Frijns’ Envision Racing team-mate Buemi made up places, progressing from 17th to 13th by the end of the opening lap

Following a difficult opening race to the weekend, Buemi cast off any disappointment, and by lap four the Swiss driver found himself in fifth, right behind his Envision Racing team-mate. By the start of lap five, Buemi streaked into third place, and snatched the lead by the end of the lap.

Compared with Saturday’s race, Sunday’s battle saw a much higher pace, much earlier in the proceedings. Amid the drama, as Buemi moved forward, holding third, Frijns fell back, ending up 10th by the end of lap eight.

Buemi’s charge was halted on lap nine, whilst leading the pack. The former champion was forced to serve a penalty due to a technical infraction, handing the lead to Vergne. With Buemi effectively out of contention, Frijns headed the Envision Racing charge, and by lap 11 held second place in the hunt for a second podium of the weekend. At the halfway point, as da Costa led, Frijns maintained fourth place, and one lap later claimed the lead from the Porsche driver.

With nine laps remaining of the 26-lap race duration, Frijns looked strong in fourth, with comparable energy to his rivals in the top six, and reclaimed the lead on lap 18, just as a safety car was triggered due to debris on the circuit.

The race restarted with five laps remaining, with Frijns in first place, ahead of da Costa and Pascal Wehrlein. As da Costa quickly seized the lead with a rapid pace, Frijns held onto second position, hustled by the front wing-less Wehrlein.

With one lap added to the initial race distance, Frijns started the 27th and final lap in second place. Could the double E-Prix winner claim his third career win? Despite challenging da Costa on the final lap, the answer was no.

A valiant performance, and the fastest lap of the race, was not quite enough, and the Envision Racing driver had to settle for second place following a tense drag race to the chequered flag.

Mitch Evans rounded out the podium places, as Buemi underlined the overall pace of the Envision Racing package by recovering from his earlier penalty to take ninth, and two crucial points for himself and the Envision Racing team.

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Nick Cassidy, 167pts
2. Mitch Evans, 155pts
3. Pascal Wehrlein, 155pts
4. António Félix da Costa, 134pts
5. Oliver Rowland, 131pts
9. Robin Frijns, 60pts
15. Sébastien Buemi, 26pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 14):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 322pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 289pts
3. DS Penske, 184pts
4. Andretti Formula E, 168pts
5. Nissan, 157pts
7. Envision Racing, 88pts

Frijns fights at the front and claims a fabulous podium in Portland

Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns claimed a hard-won second place to kick off the Portland E-Prix double-header weekend

Hot and humid conditions greeted the drivers for Round 13 of the 2023–24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. And after 27 laps of the Portland International Raceway, Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns showed victory is not far away as he spent all race at the front of the field, occasionally leading, and ended up with a vital 18 points for himself and the team.

Frijns was superb in qualifying for the first race of the Portland E-Prix weekend. The Dutch driver made it into the semi-finals, losing out to Norman Nato, lining up third on the grid. 

Throughout the race, Frijns looked good for a podium finish, spending the early stages embedded in the top three. By the time the opening race of the weekend came to a close, Frijns benefited from a penalty handed to winner on the road Mitch Evans, finishing third, but ending up second, and claiming his first podium since the Diriyah E-Prix in February.

THE RACE

When the lights went out to start the race, Frijns emerged from the tricky opening chicane having dropped one position to fourth, and ended the opening lap down in seventh. The Envision Racing man quickly moved back into third at the beginning of lap two.

By lap five, Andretti’s Nato led the race with Frijns, yet to take his first Attack Mode phase, holding third place. As the pack bunched up to conserve energy, Frijns took his first Attack Mode, dropping to sixth, which became fifth as Jake Hughes went off at the final turn.

Two laps later, Frijns found himself momentarily in the lead, dropping back to fourth after a second Attack Mode phase, as up front Jake Dennis hit the front. On lap nine, Frijns and Envision Racing once more cycled to the front before handing the lead to Evans.

At the halfway point, the general race pace noticeably started to pick up, and things started to get pretty tight at the sharp end of the field. Despite the increasingly frantic racing, Frijns held onto a solid fifth place with a good view of the lead. And on lap 14, Frijns once again grabbed first place.

Entering the final 10 laps, Frijns remained in podium place, as Nick Cassidy assumed first place in the Jaguar, followed by António Félix da Costa. The big question was, when would the leaders pull the trigger and go at full pace to the chequered flag?

The answer was lap 21. Cassidy started to increase his pace and extend his lead over da Costa, as Frijns held on in fourth place, behind Evans, and ahead of Jean-Éric Vergne. Crucially, Evans was racing with a five second penalty looming over him, and as a result, Frijns a podium finish was well within reach as he held fourth approaching the final couple of laps.

There was huge drama as leader Cassidy slid off the circuit at the final turn on the penultimate lap, promoting the penalised Evans into the lead, da Costa into second, and Frijns up into third. 

Entering the 27th and final lap, Frijns held third, and finished in that position as Evans took the chequered flag, only to lose out due to his earlier penalty. All this meant that as da Costa took the win, Frijns was handed a hugely well-deserved second place for the second time this season, revealing that the pace is there for the Envision Racing team and there is plenty more to come for Sunday’s race. 

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 13):
1. Nick Cassidy, 167pts
2. Pascal Wehrlein, 143pts
3. Mitch Evans, 140pts
4. Oliver Rowland, 131pts
5. Jake Dennis, 121pts
12. Robin Frijns, 41pts
16. Sébastien Buemi, 24pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 13):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 307pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 252pts
3. DS Penske, 171pts
4. Andretti Formula E, 161pts
5. Nissan, 157pts
8. Envision Racing, 67pts

Envision Racing head back to the USA in search of more success

All eyes will be on the Pacific Northwest and the Portland E-Prix for the penultimate race meeting of the year

After spectacularly winning the Teams’ Championship last season, the 2023–24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has been a tough one for Envision Racing. Despite this, there were certainly some positives that could be taken from the last two races in China, and the team now heads to one of the coolest venues on the calendar.

That’s right, next up is the Portland E-Prix, a place where Envision Racing have tasted success, and with two races being held this year, there is plenty of scope to score some crucial points.

The challenge in Portland

The city of Portland, located in the state of Oregon, in North America’s Pacific Northwest region is a tourist’s dream. Located less than 200 miles from Seattle, Portland has something for everyone.

From craft beers and excellent food options to art galleries and getting lost in the city’s vibrant scene, or an outdoor enthusiast seeking nature in Forest Park or the Columbia River Gorge, Portland offers something for everyone. It’s a quirky city with a laid-back attitude, fueled by a strong coffee culture, but Envision Racing’s Sébastien Buemi and Robin Frijns won’t have much time for that.

Taking place on the permanent Portland International Raceway, situated in the north of the city, drivers are faced with a tricky 2.2 mile challenge. Last year’s inaugural Portland E-Prix was won by Nick Cassidy in an Envision Racing machine, and this year Buemi and Frijns will have two attempts to race for the win.

This clockwise track, unchanged from last year’s successful debut, is made up of high-speed corners and long straights, which provide ample opportunity for slipstreaming and daring overtaking manoeuvres. In both qualifying and the race, the tricky chicane following the start-finish straight will be a key section to wither setting a fast lap, or making some overtakes. 

A crucial element in this fight will be strategic use of the Attack Mode activation zone, positioned on the outside of Turn 7.  Here, drivers can unleash a temporary power boost, adding another layer of tactical complexity to the already demanding circuit. 

In 2023 wheel-to-wheel battles erupted from start to finish, with drivers swapping positions in a record-breaking display of overtaking on this smooth, fast track. Expect more of the same in 2024. Get ready prepare for close battles, some key strategy from the drivers, and a potentially record-breaking number of overtakes on this fast and flowing circuit.

Last year’s Portland race was a solo affair, this year sees a double-header format. The circuit maintains the same layout used for IndyCar competition, and whatever the racing series, always provides a spectacle.

Last time out in Shanghai

After sitting out the Berlin E-Prix due to a clash between the Formula E schedule and the World Endurance Championship schedule in which both Envision Racing drivers compete, it was back to normal for the first ever Shanghai E-Prix

And after series of challenging races for both Buemi and Frijns, there was plenty to be pleased with following the weekend’s pair of races.

Starting from ninth in the weekend’s opening race, Frijns pulled a surprise by leading the early stages of the race. He even enjoyed a brief stint at the front before his run ended.

Meanwhile, teammate Buemi struggled in the opening laps. However, he found his pace later, combining skilful energy management with a late surge to secure a valuable 10th place finish at the chequered flag. Despite showing early promise and looking like the stronger contender for a top-five result, Frijns’ charge was halted by a spin. 

Both Envision drivers carried positive momentum heading into Sunday’s second race in China, however with both cars starting at the back of the grid, the second race of the Shanghai E-Prix was always going to be a tough one for Envision Racing.

Despite this, Frijns rallied and despite starting dead last showcased strategic brilliance. He avoided early chaos, meticulously conserved energy, and then methodically overtook rivals throughout the Shanghai E-Prix to end up ninth at the flag with two points in the bag.

Where and when to watch the Portland E-Prix

(All times BST)

Round 13

Free Practice 1 Saturday 29 June – 00:55 – 01:45

Free Practice 2 Saturday 29 June – 15:25 – 16:15

Qualifying Saturday 29 June – 17:40 – 19:03

E-Prix Saturday 29 June 22:03 – 23:30

Round 14

Free Practice 3 Sunday 30 June – 15:25 – 16:15

Qualifying Sunday 30 June – 17:40 – 19:03

E-Prix Sunday 30 June 22:03 – 23:30

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 12):
1. Nick Cassidy, 167pts
2. Pascal Wehrlein, 142pts
3. Mitch Evans, 132pts
4. Oliver Rowland, 131pts
5. Jake Dennis, 113pts
14. Robin Frijns, 23pts
15. Sébastien Buemi, 24pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 12):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 299pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 226pts
3. Nissan, 157pts
4. DS Penske, 154pts
5. Andretti Formula E 153, pts
8. Envision Racing, 49pts

More points for Envision Racing in Shanghai as Frijns surges through the pack

Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns went from 20th to 9th and a return to the points as team-mate Sébastien Buemi battled from the back of the grid to 12th 

With both cars starting near the foot of the grid, the second race of the Shanghai E-Prix was always going to be a tough one for the Green Machine.

Despite starting down in 20th, Envision Racing’s Robin Frijns employed a smart race strategy to keep out of trouble at the start, save energy and pick off his rivals one by one over the course of the weekend’s second race in Shanghai.

And at the chequered flag, the Dutch driver was rewarded with ninth place, two points and plenty to build on as the team heads to North America for the double-header race weekend in Portland.

In Saturday’s opening race of the Shanghai E-Prix weekend, it was Frijns’ team-mate Sébastien Buemi who brought home some world championship points by finishing eighth.

In Sunday’s race, the Swiss driver enjoyed a similar route from the back of the field to the front as team-mate Frijns, however the former champion could fare no better than 12th.

THE RACE

At the start of Round 12, Stoffel Vandoorne snatched the lead from polesitter Jake Hughes as the rest of the field filtered through the opening sequence of corners without incident. Frijns and Buemi ended the opening lap in the final two positions.

The Envision Racing pair started to make progress on lap four, with Frijns moving up to 17th place, and Buemi one position to 21st. Up front, Norman Nato cycled to the lead as the race settled into its rhythm.

By lap 10 of the scheduled 29-lap race duration, António Félix da Costa led for the first time as Frijns made further progress, running in 15th, and looking to catch and pass reigning champion Jake Dennis in 14th place. Which he did halfway around the lap, claiming 14th, and edging closer to the points.

14th place became 13th for Frijns on lap 11, and two laps later Frijns hit the top 10 as Envision Racing team-mate Buemi held 17th.

Looking fast and aggressive, over the course of several laps, Frijns looked to take ninth place from Nyck de Vries, as Buemi made good progress, running in 14th. Frijns claimed ninth from de Vries on lap 19, putting him within sight of the leading pack.

There was late-race drama for Frijns at the chicane as he was hit by McLaren’s Sam Bird, forcing  the Envision Racing man to take evasive action, but crucially hanging on to ninth place as Buemi’s progress pulled him up to 12th position.

Starting the 29th and final lap, Frijns held ninth, behind the Maserati of Max Günther, and that is where the Envision Racing driver would end his first Shanghai E-Prix.

The result marked Frijns’ first points since his second place finish at the Diriyah E-Prix, as Buemi, despite a great fight through the field, ended up 12th and out of the points.

At the front, da Costa claimed his second win of the year, followed by Hughes and Nato.

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 12):
1. Nick Cassidy, 167pts
2. Pascal Wehrlein, 142pts
3. Mitch Evans, 132pts
4. Oliver Rowland, 131pts
5. Jake Dennis, 113pts
14. Sébastien Buemi, 24pts
15. Robin Frijns, 23pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 12):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 299pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 226pts
3. Nissan, 157pts
4. DS Penske, 154pts
5. Andretti Formula E 153, pts
8. Envision Racing, 49pts

Envision Racing’s first race in Shanghai ends with points and plenty of promise

Robin Frijns battled at the front during a promising start to the Shanghai E-Prix double-header weekend as Sébastien Buemi claimed valuable points in the end

With both regular drivers back behind the wheel, it was Frijns who rediscovered Envision Racing’s championship-winning speed at the inaugural Shanghai E-Prix. Qualifying ninth, the man from Maastricht hit the front of the pack throughout the early stages of the race and briefly led.

By the time of the chequered flag, however, it was team-mate Sébastien Buemi who had brought home the points. Buemi endured a difficult start to the opening race of the double-header weekend, managing overcome adversity to find speed and combine wise energy saving to claim 10th place over the finish line.

After penalties elsewhere, however, that was quickly upgraded to P8.

Despite looking the most likely of the Envision Racing duo to score points, Frijns’ fight for a potential top five finish ended with a spin, but both drivers can carry momentum into the weekend’s second race on Sunday.

THE RACE

Starting 9th under grey skies and heavy humidity, when the lights went out, Frijns headed the Envision Racing charge into the first corner. The Dutch driver made a lightning start, moving up two places and into seventh as pole position-winner Jean-Éric Vergne maintained his lead on the expansive Shanghai International Circuit.

By the end of lap one Frijns seized fifth, as team-mate Buemi slipped two places from his starting slot of 12th to 14th. An aggressive Frijns sensationally snatched the lead on lap three, leading Pascal Wehrlein before taking Attack Mode at the beginning of lap four and dropping to fourth. At the sharp end of the field, a game of high-speed chess was shaping up as the drivers employed a mixture of speed and strategy  to save energy throughout the early stages.

By lap 10 of 29, Frijns had dropped down to 12th with a second Attack Mode phase initiated. The Envision Racing man used his additional power to climb up to eighth on lap 11 as Nyck de Vries hit the front.

At the halfway mark, Frijns found himself in fifth, challenging Vergne for fourth as Mitch Evans led the field in the Jaguar, swapping first place with Wehrlein. With the pack racing formation prevalent throughout the top 10, Frijns held seventh entering the final 10 laps and engaged in a tight battle with Vergne.

Any hope of a return to the points took a severe dent on lap 21. Frijns dropped from a strong eighth place, finding himself way down the field after spinning, but recovering to hold on to 16th place. The Envision Racing driver ended up behind team-mate Buemi who had made progress after a difficult afternoon in Shanghai to run in 13th, with plenty of energy saved, and an outside chance of claiming points.

With more energy than Stoffel Vandoorne in 10th, the Swiss driver snatched 10th on the final lap (before eventually leapfrogging to 8th), claiming a crucial point for Envision Racing, and with it, plenty of positives from the opening race of the Shanghai E-Prix weekend.

Frijns came home in 14th, and will be looking to recover and score points on Sunday.

Following an entertaining battle for the victory it was Evans who prevailed ahead of Wehrlein and Nick Cassidy. 

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 11):
1. Nick Cassidy, 155pts
2. Pascal Wehrlein, 142pts
3. Oliver Rowland, 130pts
4. Mitch Evans, 122pts
5. Jake Dennis, 111pts
14. Robin Frijns, 21pts
15. Sébastien Buemi, 21pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 11):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 277pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 211pts
3. Nissan, 156pts
4. DS Penske, 136pts
5. Andretti Formula E 135, pts
8. Envision Racing, 44pts

Buemi and Frijns back in the hot seat for a brand new challenge

A double-header awaits Envision Racing as Formula E goes to China for the first ever Shanghai E-Prix

Whilst the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has raced numerous times in China in both Beijing and Sanya, this year will see the drivers do battle in Shanghai for the first time. In fact, the first ever Formula E race was hosted in Beijing way back in 2014, and returns to the country after a five-year hiatus.

And for the first time since the Misano E-Prix, the two races taking place over the Shanghai E-Prix weekend will be hosted on a permanent race track in the shape of the Shanghai International Circuit. 

After missing out on the Berlin E-Prix due to conflicting racing schedules, Robin Frijns and Sébastien Buemi return to Formula E action, raring to go out and battle for big points.

The Shanghai meet will be the second of four double-header race weekends to finish off the season, so there is still plenty to play for.

The challenge in Shanghai

Inspired by the Chinese character for ‘ascend,’ the Shanghai International Circuit, designed by Herman Tilke, debuted in 2004 for the Chinese Grand Prix. Now, two decades later, it prepares for an all-electric show.

The Shanghai E-Prix features a unique layout utilising a part of the iconic West Loop section, and the lap begins with a dramatic first turn, tightening as drivers navigate the flowing turns 2-4 complex. 

After a high-speed blast, drivers will have to be hot on the brakes to tackle the hairpin at Turn 6 before entering a rhythmic sequence leading to the final right-left-right chicane. This electrifying 3km course promises to reward a good car set up, bravery and canny energy saving. 

Last time out 

This year’s Berlin E-Prix clashed with the Spa Francorchamps round of the World Endurance Championship, a series in which Envision Racing’s Frijns and Buemi both compete. This meant that the team welcomed two new drivers in the hot seat for the unforgiving challenge of the harsh concrete surface of the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit.

Swedish Formula E returnee Joel Erikkson and rookie Paul Aron stepped into the pressure cooker of an E-Prix and both did a stellar job over the weekend’s two races.

In the opening race of the weekend Eriksson looked quick, moving up from the rear of the field and challenging for points until being forced to retire. This left team-mate Aron to lead the Envision Racing charge, and the debutant drove artfully and maturely. Keeping out of trouble, a points finish looked on the cards until the final few corners, and at the chequered flag, Aron had to settle for 13th.

The weekend’s second and final race was preceded by a stellar qualifying performance from Eriksson who narrowly missed out on the duels, and lined up 11th on the grid.

If Aron was the shining light for Envision Racing on Saturday, Eriksson proved to be positively illuminating on Sunday. The Swede mixed speed and aggression to avoid multiple incidents and accidents to climb as high as eighth by the midpoint of the race.

Entering the final few laps, Eriksson held ninth place, and looked comfortable, even fending off former champion Jean-Éric Vergne to take two crucial points, and Envision Racing’s first since the Tokyo E-Prix.

Aron capped off a great Formula E debut, crossing the line in 14th with bags of experience earned.

Where and when to catch the Shanghai E-Prix

(All times BST)

Round 11

Free Practice 1 Friday 24 May – 09:55 – 10:45

Free Practice 2 Saturday 25 May – 00:55 – 01:45

Qualifying Saturday 25 May – 03:20 – 04:43

 

E-Prix Saturday 25 May 08:03 – 09:30

Round 12

Free Practice 3 Friday 26 May – 00:05 – 07:30

Qualifying Saturday 26 May – 03:20 – 04:43

E-Prix Saturday 12 May 08:03 – 09:30

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 10):
1. Nick Cassidy, 140pts
2. Pascal Wehrlein, 124pts
3. Oliver Rowland, 118pts
4. Jake Dennis, 102pts
5. Mitch Evans, 97pts
14. Robin Frijns, 21pts
15. Sébastien Buemi, 20pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 10):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 237pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 183pts
3. Nissan, 144pts
4. DS Penske, 127pts
5. Andretti Formula E 126, pts
8. Envision Racing, 43pts

Vital points in Berlin and plenty of promise from Eriksson and Aron

Envision Racing’s stand-in drivers showed speed and skill in the German capital and 9th place for Eriksson means a return to the points for the team

With Envision Racing’s regular racers Sébastien Buemi and Robin Frijns watching from the sidelines, it was up to their replacements to battle for the points in the second and final race of the Berlin E-Prix. 

Joel Eriksson narrowly missed out on the duels in qualifying, ending up an excellent 11th on the grid. And after 41 laps of the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit, Eriksson claimed a stellar ninth-place finish in just his third ever E-Prix, and with bringing an end to Envision Racing’s points drought.

After challenging for points in his Formula E debut on Saturday, Eriksson’s team-mate Paul Aron ended his Berlin E-Prix weekend in a creditable 14th place after starting 19th on the grid.

Round 10 of the 2023–24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship got underway under blue Berlin skies, and by the end of the opening lap, Cassidy assumed the lead from polesitter Jake Dennis, with Envision Racing’s Eriksson moving up into 10th, and team-mate Aron holding 19th.

By lap five, Pascal Wehrlein cycled into the lead of the race, as further down the field Eriksson kept out of trouble in 12th, looking to make a move into the points-paying positions.

The early stages of the race revealed a contrast to Saturday’s close-quarter pack racing, with the field more spread out.

Five laps later, however, the field closed up, especially at the sharp end as the gloves came off and the action heated up. Maserati’s Maximilian Günther became a victim of the frantic action on lap 11, ending up stricken on the track with damage, triggering a safety car, and neutralising the field with Eriksson in 14th, and Aron in 18th.

With the action back under way, António Félix da Costa and Porsche team-mate Wehrlein swapped the lead before Cassidy split the pair as the race approached the halfway point. Looking to make progress, Envision Racing’s Eriksson dropped to 15th with Aron in 19th.

Both Envision Racing drivers found themselves line astern on lap 25, and were both given a two place boost as Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz came to blows. As a result of the contact, Eriksson jumped to 12th, with Aron just behind in 13th.

Following the inevitable safety car phase, with da Costa leading, both Envision Racing drivers maintained their places for a lap with Eriksson looking to claim 11th from McLaren’s fellow stand-in driver Taylor Barnard.

By lap 35 of the scheduled 38 lap race, Eriksson moved up to 11th – just one place away from the points and with a great view of the increasingly manic battle for the lead. With three laps added due to the earlier safety car phases, a points finish started to look more than possible for Eriksson.

And on lap 36, Eriksson snatched 10th place from former champion Jean-Éric Vergne. Two laps later, 10th became ninth. The big question was, could the Swedish driver hang on for vital points?

The answer was yes. Eriksson brought his Jaguar I-Type 6 home in ninth to score his first ever points in Formula E, and claim Envision Racing’s first points finish since the Tokyo E-Prix in March.

Team-mate Aron capped a steady race, ending up 14th, as da Costa won from Cassidy and Oliver Rowland in third.

Drivers’ standings (after Rd 10):
1. Nick Cassidy, 140pts
2. Pascal Wehrlein, 124pts
3. Oliver Rowland, 118pts
4. Jake Dennis, 102pts
5. Mitch Evans, 97pts
14. Robin Frijns, 21pts
15. Sébastien Buemi, 20pts
22. Joel Eriksson, 2pts

Teams’ standings (after Rd 10):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 237pts
2. Porsche Formula E Team, 183pts
3. Nissan, 144pts
4. DS Penske, 127pts
5. Andretti Formula E 126, pts
8. Envision Racing, 43pts

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