Envision Virgin Racing started the season with very positive practice sessions as Robin Frijns topped the timings in FP1 and British teammate, Sam Bird, going fastest in FP2.
The opening 45 minute practice session on the 2.94km track in Diriyah saw the 24 Formula E drivers battling with dust on track and low temperatures, with the air temperature at just 8C. Frijns topped the timings as the first red flag of the session was waved – just 10 minutes in – following a crash from NIO’s Ma Qing Hua.
The track continued to evolve and with just 12 minutes remaining Bird set the fastest time, despite being stuck in traffic. Dragon’s Hartley was the next to cause a red flag during FP1, running over an exposed manhole cover at Turn 4 and hitting the wall.
With just seven minutes remaining as the session turned green both Envision Virgin Racing drivers set their fastest laps. Frijns topped the timings (1:16.137s) and Bird was just behind in P3 (1:17.561s).
With a successful FP1 under their belts the Envision Virgin Racing drivers headed out for 30 minute second session. Started under Full Course Yellow, due to the track being narrowed at Turn 4 to cover the exposed manhole cover, both drivers headed out early.
The duo continued to build on a positive first session by running at the front in FP2, with Bird being the first to complete a 235kw lap. With just two minutes remaining in the session the pair began their qualifying practice laps, however Frijns was hindered by traffic.
Frijns finished the session in P8 (1:15.824s) whilst Bird topped the timings board for the second session (1:14.353s).
The next track activity is the all-important qualifying session which gets underway at 11am local time (8am UK time). Be sure to join us then with live updates across the Envision Virgin Racing channels.
