Shanghai E-Prix Race Preview: Session Timings, Track Details & Everything You Need To Know
Envision Racing return to China, and the home of Envision in Shanghai for Round 10 & 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Straight off the back of the double header in Tokyo, the all-electric series continues the Asian stint of the championship, returning to the Shanghai International Circuit after its’ debut for Formula E last season.
Points were delivered in both races last year in what is considered a second home race for the Envision Racing squad, and full focus is on achieving that again. The Silverstone-based, Chinese owned outfit have been enjoying strong form lately – starting off with what was a podium on track in Homestead before a penalty for Robin Frijns, which was followed by a sensational win in Monaco by Sebastien Buemi and more points delivered last time out by both drivers in Tokyo.
As the season powers into the second half, Envision Racing heads to Shanghai with a maintained focus and determination to deliver points.
THE CIRCUIT
There are few city silhouettes that can outdo Shanghai’s, particularly from the city’s world-famous Bund. The mile-long promenade on the Zhongshan Road lines the bank of the Huangpu River, cutting through central Shanghai, and offers nighttime views of Lujianzui, one of the most electric cityscapes in the world. What better place to showcase all electric-racing!
The Circuit opened in 2004 for the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix and has since played host to all-electric racing some 20 years later. Designed for top-tier motorsport global events, the circuit features a challenging combination of high-speed straights and tight corners. This track offers plenty of opportunities for overtaking – making it the perfect place to showcase Formula E’s unique brand of racing.
TRACK RECORD
Season 10 Results:
Season 10 Results:
Robin Frijns: P12 & P9
Sebastien Buemi: P8 & P12
Both drivers scored points in each of the races last season, although all focus will be on achieving a double-points scoring to boost the team in the overall standings.
WHAT OUR DRIVERS HAVE TO SAY
Sebastien Buemi said: “We had a good weekend in Tokyo, a very strong race in the wet, just missing out on the podium finishing P4 and to come from the back of the grid in the second race to score points in P9 was a very good effort from everyone. With Shanghai being a home race for Envision, we aim to continue the momentum into this week.”
Robin Frijns said: “After scoring some points last season here in Shanghai, we will be aiming for more this year. This season will be different with Pit Boost during race one on Saturday to mix the strategy up.”
WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH
Click HERE to check out where to watch in your country.
Tokyo E-Prix Race Preview: Session Timings, Track Details & Everything You Need To Know
Envision Racing head to Tokyo for inaugural doubler-header in the Japanese capital
The all-electric series returns to Tokyo’s Big Sight centre, this time for double the action with racing across both days on May 17 & 18.
The Tokyo E-Prix returns for its second edition, promising even more excitement as Formula E debuts the Gen3 Evo car at the iconic Japanese venue. With improved performance and handling, the new car will challenge teams and drivers to quickly adapt to the fast, technical street circuit. Adding another layer of strategy, this race will also feature Pit Boost—a mid-race pit stop that increases energy—bringing a fresh tactical element to the competition.
Last time out in Monaco was incredibly successful for the Silverstone based outfit, with Sebastien Buemi taking the win in Round 7 on the wet streets of Monte Carlo. The Swiss driver was over four seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Oliver Rowland, and propelled himself into the top ten of the driver standings.
Robin Frijns missed out on a strong finish due to Attack Mode timings but scored points on the first of the two race days in The Principality. The team now sets its sights on maintaining this momentum as they head to Tokyo, aiming to build on the recent success and continue climbing the championship standings.
THE CIRCUIT
The challenging 18-turn, 2.582km street circuit will surround the Tokyo International Exhibition Centre – the largest venue in Japan also known as Tokyo Big Sight. It’s a challenging layout that includes three notable straights, technical sequences of tight corners, and high-speed combinations set against the stunning Tokyo metropolis backdrop.
TRACK RECORD
Season 10 Results:
Robin Frijns: P9
Sebastien Buemi: P13
It’s a circuit which both Envision Racing drivers enjoyed last year, with Robin Frijns bringing home points finishing in P9 despite contact during the race hampering his chances of a better finish, and Sebastien Buemi had a brilliant comeback drive from the back of the grid up to P13.
WHAT OUR DRIVERS HAVE TO SAY
Sebastien Buemi said: “It was a great weekend last time out in Monaco, I’m delighted to get the win for the team, but now full focus is on Tokyo. We have a lot of races coming up in quick succession so it will be important for us to keep the momentum going and scoring good points.”
Robin Frijns said: “I enjoyed the circuit in Tokyo last year, and I’m looking forward to going back. The weather looks mixed which could switch things up, especially with Pit Boost too. Our pace has been more promising over the last two events, and we will be aiming to continue building on this in Tokyo.”
WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH
Monaco E-Prix Race Preview: Session Timings, Track Details & Everything You Need To Know
Envision Racing return to Monaco for the inaugural double-header in The Principality
The Monaco E-Prix is always one of the crown jewels of the Formula E calendar — steeped in history, packed with drama, and about to get even bigger. For the first time ever, the Circuit de Monaco will host a double-header weekend, with two races across May 3rd and 4th — and Saturday’s race will throw an extra twist into the mix: Pit Boost.
Pit Boost, new for Season 11, will add a fresh layer of strategy. After making its debut in Jeddah, this will be just the second time teams tackle the mid-race challenge. Every driver must stop in the pit lane to receive a 30-second, 600kW boost, giving them a 10% energy increase (3.85kWh). But there’s a catch: each team has just one Pit Boost rig, meaning no double-stacking.
At Homestead-Miami Speedway, Envision Racing bounced back in style. Robin Frijns and Sébastien Buemi looked sharp throughout qualifying, lighting up the timing screens and securing P4 and P12 on the grid respectively.
The race itself delivered fireworks. Both drivers spent most of the 26-lap contest in the top five, but a late safety car and red flag threw a spanner into their Attack Mode plans. Frijns crossed the line in P3 but was hit with a 10-second penalty, dropping him to P8. Buemi battled hard to finish P13.
THE CIRCUIT
The Circuit de Monaco runs along the streets of Monte Carlo and follows the harbour of the Principality of Monaco. La Rascasse, Casino Square and Grand Hotel Hairpin – there are few corners that evoke motorsport legend than the winding streets that line the Monaco circuit.
The full 3.3km circuit with its steep hill and high-speed sections will again put the field’s energy management skills to the test.
With Season 11 featuring more strategical elements than ever before; all-wheel drive in Attack Mode and Pit Boost, the double-header weekend is set to be an electrifying weekend of Formula E racing.
TRACK RECORD
Season 10 Monaco Results:
Sebastien Buemi: P15
Robin Frijns: P17
Last year in Monaco wasn’t one for the highlight reel, but both drivers know how to deliver around the Principality. Buemi is a two-time Monaco winner, and Frijns has podium pedigree here too.
The team itself tasted victory in Monaco during Season 9…. And now, with the season heating up, we’re hungry for redemption, points, and a serious momentum boost heading into a packed run of back-to-back races.
WHAT OUR DRIVERS HAVE TO SAY
Sebastien Buemi said: “Monaco is one of the favourites on the calendar, and there are plenty of overtaking opportunities in Formula E. This year is going to be very different – two races with one including Pit Boost which is going to make the weekend even more challenging. We’ve been working very hard behind the scenes and hope to bring home good points.”
Robin Frijns said: “It’s always great to be coming back to Monaco, it’s such an iconic circuit and one I enjoy a lot. We had a much better weekend in Miami, qualifying pace was good, and we did finish on-track with a podium, however the penalty put us back to P8. We’ll be aiming to continue building on this form and bring back strong points.”
WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH
What is Formula E’s Evo Sessions? Everything you need to know ahead of the Miami showcase
This week in Miami, a ground-breaking new motorsport event will take place.
‘Evo Sessions’ – as Formula E have titled it – will see 11 famous names join forces with each of the 11 teams participating in the world championship, learning from 11 of their professional drivers to experience for themselves what it takes to become an elite racing driver.
Chronicling the whole thing across social media platforms, the aim is to bring audiences closer than ever before to the sport – viewing the challenges, difficulties, skills and thrills of all-electric motor racing through the lense of their favourite celebrities.
Ahead of the two-day event in Florida, here’s everything you need to know…
WHO IS RACING FOR ENVISION?
Well, just wait until your father hears about this!
Tom Felton, known to many as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, will don green once more as he joins the driver line-up for us.
A huge motorsport fan who has attended Formula E races in the past, Felton will be guided by the Green Machine’s Sebastien Buemi – a former FE champion in his own right, and a crucial component of Envision’s Season 9 world championship triumph.
Felton, who has more than 25 million followers across his social media channels, will be aiming to show them all what he can do on track…
HOW HAS HE PREPARED FOR THIS?
Every driver has gone through a comprehensive training programme to prepare them for this challenge, and Felton is no different.
The English actor has visited the team’s Silverstone headquarters on numerous occasions, practising the Miami layout on the simulator while getting driving tips from the team’s test & development driver, Alice Powell.
He has sat in on engineering briefings, received advice on the best physical preparation for the challenge, and even gone out on track in our unique two-seater; giving him an initial taste of electric power prior to stepping into a real GEN3 Evo for the first time.
All-in-all, Felton has been given every chance to prepare well for what awaits him in Miami…
WHO ELSE IS PARTICIPATING?
The list of other participants includes: Sergio Aguero, Brooklyn Beckham, Cleo Abram, Supercar Blondie, Vinnie Hacker, Emelia Hartford, JUCA, Scott Mansell (Driver 61), YesTheory and Theo Baker.
Not all teams have announced their celebrity partner just yet, but we know Aguero is driving for Porsche, Supercar Blondie has partnered with Nissan, Brooklyn Beckham will be in a Jaguar and Cleo Abram has lined up with McLaren.
WHERE AND WHEN DOES IT TAKE PLACE?
The Evo Sessions is a two-day event on March 5-6, taking place on a modified track at the Miami International Autodrome (at Hard Rock Stadium).
After a track walk and acclimatisation program the day prior, each event day will see the celebrity driver from each team get 20 minutes (alone) out on track, in which they will aim to gradually improve their times.
On the first day of running, Wednesday, the 11 professional drivers will also be out on track for 10 minutes – setting an approximate ‘benchmark’ time so the difference between the pros and the novices can be seen.
At the end of both days, there will be a chance to see how close each celebrity got to the lap-time of their professional counterpart, and how well they got in with the challenge of driving like a real racer.
In between all that, celebrities and drivers will participate in a series of mini-games and challenges put on by the organisers, along with a full range of media activities.
By the end of it all, the aim will be to give fans a comprehensive insight into what it feels like to become a racing driver for a day (or two…)!
HOW CAN I FOLLOW ALONG?
The event is social-first, meaning all the content will be distributed across team, celebrity and championship channels.
You can follow Envision Racing on Instagram here. Be sure to also check out Tik Tok, YouTube and X for additional content!
You can also follow everything Evo Sessions as it all happens across Formula E socials – and stay tuned for a feature-length documentary coming later this year to find out how everyone got on sampling Formula E’s GEN3 Evo race car.
WHEN IS THE NEXT FORMULA E RACE?
Fortunately there’s a simple answer to this one – back in Miami!
Just over a month later, the full FE paddock will descend on the legendary Homestead-Miami Speedway for Round 5 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Buemi and teammate Robin Frijns will be looking to snap an unfortunate run of results for the team – fortunately, Envision have a strong record Stateside, finishing on the podium in each of their last three visits (winning one of those).
Jeddah E-Prix Race Preview: Session Timings, Track Details & Everything You Need To Know
Envision Racing are set to take on the first double-header of the season under the lights in Saudi Arabia.
A new circuit for Formula E, a rookie test, two-night races, and the debut for the highly anticipated technological advancement for the championship … Rounds 3 & 4 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship are set to be thrilling.
The all-electric series heads to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for the first time, after previously visiting the Kingdom’s historic capital, Diriyah, for the past six seasons.
The circuit has been altered from the Formula 1 layout to adapt to the GEN3 Evo machines more effectively and continue to put on a spectacle for fans in the grandstands and at home.
The weekend will kick off with a Rookie FP0 session, in which newest team member, Zak O’Sullivan will step into the Green Machine for the first time on track. The 40-minute session will be crucial for not only O’Sullivan to learn as much as he can, but also for the team to begin gathering data for the race week ahead.
Official drivers Sebastien Buemi and Robin Frijns have more than just a new circuit to tackle in Jeddah – they will also be working tirelessly with the team to navigate the latest strategical element, Pit Boost.
The 34-second pit stop – which has to be taken at some point during the race – will enable the cars to receive an extra 10% of energy increase (3.85kWh).
Pit Boost is scheduled to take place during one race across double-header race weeks for the remainder of Season 11, and it will be implemented during the first race (Round 3) in Jeddah.
THE CIRCUIT
The 19 turn 3.001km circuit boasts long and flowing straights divided by fast and technical chicanes.
The 22-car field will blast down the start/finish straight into a tight left-hander followed by a hairpin, which is certain to provide plenty of action when the lights go green.
Strategy is going to be more vital than ever, with the introduction of Pit Boost during Race 1 of the weekend. The extra energy taken at the perfect time could be the difference in winning – while we have already seen the importance of picking the right moment to activate Attack Mode in doing well in races this season.
With temperatures set to be high, and the being the first and only night races on the calendar this year, the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix contains all of the ingredients to produce Formula E excitement.
TRACK RECORD
Previous Results in Saudi Arabia Season 10:
Sebastien Buemi: P12 & DNS
Robin Frijns: P10 & P2
Buemi was unable to make the start in Race 2 in Diriyah last season, due to an unfortunate incident late in qualifying. However, team-mate Frijns was able to bring home the big points for the Envision Racing squad, and his P2 finish on Saturday became the 50th podium for the team – adding most podiums in Formula E history to the record books.
WHAT OUR DRIVERS HAVE TO SAY
Sebastien Buemi said: “Going to a new circuit adds an exciting challenge to the first double-header weekend of the season. I’m looking forward to racing under the lights in Jeddah, and for the introduction of Pit Boost, which will impact the race massively and hopefully be exciting to watch.”
Robin Frijns said: “The weekend is going to be very interesting with a new circuit for us to learn and Pit Boost – which is going to add another strategic element to be on top of. It’s always fun racing at a new location, and I hope we are as strong there as I was last season in the country.”
WHERE & WHEN TO WATCH
Click HERE to check out where to watch in your country.
Envision Racing return to Brazil with a focus on victory
With three races done and dusted this season, both Envision Racing drivers already have podiums in the bag. Can they go one better as Formula E heads back to Brazil for the São Paulo E-Prix?
Envision Racing and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship first competed in the sprawling Brazilian city of São Paulo last year, and a return to South America is a return to happy hunting ground for the team.
In 2023, Nick Cassidy claimed a second place finish for Envision Racing, with Sébastien Buemi bringing home a point for the team in 10th despite suffering a painful hand injury.
This year, Buemi will be tackling the streets of São Paulo with new team-mate and Envision Racing returnee Robin Frijns, and after a promising start to the season, there is plenty to be confident about heading to Brazil.
THE SÃO PAULO CHALLENGE
Motorsport is synonymous with Brazil, and it makes sense that the world’s most innovative racing series is doing its thing on the nation’s tarmac.
Away from the Allianz Fan Village – Formula E’s immersive fan festival at the heart of every E-Prix – the 2.93 km, 11-turn São Paulo circuit throws a different kind of party, providing the stage for a high-voltage, wheel-to-wheel battle royal. With three long straights, connected by tricky chicanes, sweeping corners, and tight turns, the track demands precision from drivers – a real test of car and driver.
In the heart of the Sambadrome, the main straight, once a stage for vibrant parades, transforms into a battleground, launching the drivers into a series of sharp turns that culminate in a looping hairpin. This slingshot manoeuvre fires the pack down the next straight, only to be met with another technical right-left-right sequence before another straightaway beckons.
The final sector is a fitting finale. With more passing opportunities, the action heats up as drivers vie for position in the dramatic run to the finish line.
Buckle up, because the São Paulo circuit promises a heart-pounding spectacle.
LAST TIME OUT AT THE DIRIYAH E-PRIX
🇸🇦 Bouncing back in Diriyah 👏
Ups and downs across both races, but a satisfying finish in the end… 🅿️2⃣
With three races in the books for the 2023–24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, results have been mixed for Envision Racing, however the speed is there, and things are looking up as the team heads to Brazil.
Last time out at the Diriyah E-Prix double-header in Saudi Arabia both Envision racing cars showed plenty of speed in practice and qualifying. The opening race of the weekend saw Frijns came home 10th, claiming a vital championship point as Buemi ended up 12th.
The second race of the weekend in Saudi Arabia delivered the promise Envision Racing had been threatening in the season-opening Mexico City E-Prix and in the opening salvos of the Diriyah E-Prix.
Under the lights, Frijns was superb. The Dutch driver capped his weekend with a stunning second place, making history in the process with Envision Racing’s 50th podium in Formula E.
After a stellar stint in qualifying, Frijns secured second on the grid and wasted no time when the lights went out to start the race. The Envision Racing driver rocketed past pole-sitter Oliver Rowland in a daring move at the very first corner sequence, snatching the lead for himself. This audacious manoeuvre sent a clear message to the rest of the pack – Frijns was here to win.
🏆 ✖️ 5⃣0⃣
Another successful weekend for the team, setting a new Formula E record in the process! 😎
However, the race wouldn’t be a cakewalk. While Frijns secured the lead, Rowland wasn’t ready to relinquish it easily. He kept the pressure on relentlessly, pushing Frijns to his limits throughout the entire 36-lap race. Despite the intense competition, Frijns held his ground with unwavering focus, ultimately crossing the finish line in a well-deserved second place. While victory slipped through his grasp this time, Frijns’ podium finish and his dominant display early on solidified his position as a serious contender for the championship.
As Frijns celebrated, team-mate Buemi was left ruing what might have been. The Swiss driver crashed heavily in qualifying for Sunday’s race, inflicting some serious damage to his race car. Despite the customary heroics from the Envision Racing team in the garage, the Swiss driver’s machine could not be repaired to take the start.
Buemi will be chomping at the bit to make up for lost race time and get back to the front in Brazil.
Teams’ standings (after Rd 3):
1. Jaguar TCS Racing, 76pts
2. DS Penske, 47pts
3. Andretti Formula E 39, pts
4. Porsche Formula E Team, 38pts 5. Envision Racing, 37pts
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH THE SÃO PAULO E-PRIX (All times BST)
Free Practice 1 Friday 15 March – 19:25 – 20:15
Free Practice 2 Saturday 16 March – 10:25 – 11:15
Qualifying Saturday 16 March – 12:40 – 14:03
E-Prix Saturday 16 March 17:03 – 18:30
Follow Envision Racing at the São Paulo E-Prix and throughout the 2023–24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship HERE
London E-Prix Preview: Two races remain, two titles up for grabs in the UK
Envision Racing head to a dramatic season conclusion to Season 9 at the London E-Prix this weekend with everything still to play for…
The 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has been an absolute cracker. With dramatic twists and turns a Hollywood script writer would struggle to match (even if they weren’t currently on strike…), it all comes down to the two final races at the unique ExCeL Centre in London.
Ahead of the season-ending double-header in the UK capital, Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy lies second in the Drivers’ Championship standings, 24 points adrift of leader Jake Dennis. But it could have been so different, had it not been for forces outside of his control, and subsequent drama last time out in Rome.
With a maximum of 54 points up for grabs in the final two races, nothing is decided just yet. Last year Cassidy claimed a top-three finish in London and, with seven visits to the podium this year including a hat-trick of victories, the Kiwi is no stranger to success in recent times.
He will be fired up to bring home every point possible at what is Envision Racing’s home track.
As well as a shot at winning a maiden Drivers’ title, Envision Racing are in a strong position in the battle for a first Teams’ Championship crown. Thanks to points bagged by Cassidy and team-mate Sébastien Buemi in testing conditions last time out in Rome, the team lead the standings heading to London with a healthy 14-point lead over Porsche.
With both drivers showing race-winning pace and a home crowd to spur them on, Envision Racing will have every incentive to go all out for glory at ExCeL London.
THE CHALLENGE IN LONDON
Formula E racing in London provides a singular challenge. Featuring a unique indoor starting grid, the pitlane, pit garages and the opening sequence of corners are all housed under the roof of ExCeL London. This tight series of corners has provided a place for much drama in recent years, and could well see some decisive action in 2023.
From the twisty start to the lap, the ultra smooth indoor surface makes way for the bumpy and abrasive great outdoors, including a slippery metal strip, as the surrounds of London’s brutalist Docklands loom into view.
The drivers will battle it out next to the River Thames, negotiating a set of chicanes and elevation changes, before the circuit opens out into a mixture of flowing turns and right right-handers.
As well as the ups and downs of this one-off challenge, the drivers also have to deal with changes in light as the outdoors makes way for the darkness and artificial lighting of the arena.
LAST TIME OUT IN ROME
The double-header in the Italian capital certainly delivered drama and a suitably gladiatorial battle between the main Drivers’ Championship title contenders Cassidy and Dennis.
In the weekend’s opening race Cassidy drove superbly, coming from ninth on the grid to end up in the wheel tracks of eventual winner and fellow New Zealander Mitch Evans. With Dennis ending up fourth, it was very much advantage Cassidy heading into the weekend’s second race, but Saturday’s race wasn’t all fun and games for Envision Racing.
Cassidy’s team-mate Buemi was fighting back from an early race issue before coming across the stricken Jaguar of Sam Bird. With nowhere to go, the Swiss driver slammed into Bird’s car, causing extensive damage to his Jaguar I-Type 6 machine, and following the inevitable red flag and lengthy clean up, just 13 cars restarted from the original 21.
After an incredible all-night repair job from the Envision Racing team, somehow Buemi not only made the grid for Sunday’s race, but also progressed to the duels in qualifying for the second consecutive day. He rewarded his team’s hard work with a stellar fifth at the flag as it was Cassidy’s turn to suffer.
Looking for the lead from Dennis on lap two, Cassidy was hit from behind by a wayward Evans. In an unfortunate and spectacular crash, the Jaguar was sent flying over the Envision Racing machine, compromising Cassidy’s race and any hope of victory.
As a result, the best the championship leader could hope for was 14th, as Dennis went on to win and retake a strong lead in the standings.
For the 2012 Summer Olympics, ExCeL London was divided into five sports halls, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 spectators, that were used for boxing, fencing, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling.
WHERE AND WHEN TO WATCH THE LONDON E-PRIX (ALL TIMES BST)
ROUND 15
28 July: Free Practice 1 – 17:00 – 17:45
29 July: Free Practice 2 – 10:30 – 11:15
29 July: Qualifying – 12:40 – 13:55
29 July: Race – 17:03 – 18:30
ROUND 16
30 July: Free Practice 3 – 10:30 – 11:00
30 July: Qualifying – 12:40 – 13:55
30 July: Race – 17:03 – 18:30
Cassidy goes top after a thriller in Rome
Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy claimed another podium to retake the lead of the Formula E Drivers’ Championship standings at the Rome E-Prix on Saturday.
The heat was on in the Italian capital as the 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship motored towards its climax. After a dramatic race, amid sweltering heat wave conditions, Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy raced superbly to take second, confirming his seventh visit to the podium in 2023, and retakes the lead of the Drivers’ Championship.
Cassidy started the weekend just one point shy of Jake Dennis at the summit of the Drivers’ Championship standings, and heading into Sunday’s second race of the weekend the Kiwi driver leads his British rival by five points. Coming home behind eventual winner Mitch Evans, Cassidy once again executed a superb race strategy, mixing aggression and decisive overtaking with calm energy saving.
As well as ensuring a return to the top of the Drivers’ Championship, Cassidy’s points haul places Envision Racing at the head of the Teams’ Championship going into Sunday’s Round 14.
Cassidy’s Envision Racing team-mate Sébastien Buemi enjoyed a strong qualifying. Starting fourth, the Envision Racing driver recovered from a slow start to run in eighth, looking good before slamming into Sam Bird’s stricken Jaguar, as part of an unavoidable chain reaction involving multiple cars, causing a lengthy race stoppage.
Thankfully all drivers involved emerged unscathed from the biggest accident of the year.
QUALIFYING
Both Envision Racing drivers headed out in Group B qualifying for the opening race of the weekend in Rome, and Buemi held the second fastest time throughout the opening phase. And second is where the Swiss driver would end up, as more crucially, a crash from Jake Hughes in the dying seconds ended the session prematurely, meant Cassidy would end up ninth on the grid and have no chance to make the shootout.
It was left to Buemi to take up the challenge for Envision Racing in the knock-out phase of qualifying, and he took on McLaren’s Rene Rast as track temperatures continued to rise. After a tense duel, it was Buemi who brilliantly mastered the heat and bumps in Rome to nail the final sector progress into the semi-finals.
And in the second semi-final, Buemi went up against eventual pole position-winner Evans.It was the Jaguar driver who bettered the Envision Racing machine of Buemi to hand the former Formula E champion a fourth place slot on the starting grid.
At the start of the weekend’s opening race, Sam Bird snatched the lead from polesitter Evans as Buemi slipped back immediately, coming to a virtual standstill halfway around the opening lap due to a wayward Maserati. This relegated Buemi to ninth, but aided team-mate Cassidy who slipped by, finding himself in sixth by the end of the opening lap, one place behind championship leader Dennis.
On lap two the first real drama occurred when championship contender Pascal Wehrlein suffered a puncture, relegating the German driver to the rear of the pack. Back up front, Bird cycled to the lead, whilst Cassidy looked to keep in touch with the top five, as Buemi recovered a place back to eighth.
A crashed Andre Lotterer brought out a safety car on lap three, closing up the pack. At the restart the two leading Jaguar cars swapped places with Evans once more assuming the lead with the two Envision Racing cars separated by the Maserati of Maximilian Günther.
Ahead of Cassidy it was all change, and by lap seven Sacha Fenestraz split the two Jaguars, taking second place, followed by Rast who took third, relegating Bird to fourth. One lap later Fenestraz took the lead as a huge crash involving the Jaguar of Bird, an unsighted Buemi and Edoardo Mortara immediately brought out the red flag, stopping the race.
With heavily damaged cars, carbon fibre shards and debris littering the circuit, a lengthy clean up was required, and when the action got back underway, Cassidy restarted in fifth, one of just 13 cars remaining from the 21 that started.
An understandably cautious Cassidy was passed by Günther on the opening lap of the restart, as Fenestraz headed the field. Cassidy’s caution made way for bravery a few corners later as Cassidy overtook Günther to claim fifth with an artful pass.
Rast became the next target for Cassidy on lap 12, and the Envision Racing driver made a brilliant move at Turn 14, to slot in behind Dennis and apply enormous pressure as Günther continued to hassle.
With 10 laps remaining, the battle at the front really came to the boil as Dennis hit the lead from Fenestraz, Evans and Cassidy. On lap 17, Cassidy claimed third at Turn 4, setting about new second place man Evans as the top three closed up.
Entering the final five laps, Evans headed Dennis with Cassidy just about keeping touch in third and pulling away from Günther. As Evans and Cassidy took late-race Attack Mode phases, Dennis assumed the lead, only to be re-passed by Evans as Cassidy closed in and snatched second from Dennis. With two laps added to the initial 25-lap distance, Cassidy set about chasing fellow New Zealander Evans as Dennis slipped further down the field.
At the chequered flag it was Evans who triumphed, with Cassidy close behind in second place. Günther completed the podium with Dennis holding on to fourth, losing his championship lead to the Envision Racing driver.
“At the start of the race I didn’t expect to be on the podium,” revealed Cassidy. “We had a quick car, and more than anything I was disappointed with qualifying as we had a good shot to make it into the duels, but that was what it was, and we started ninth and had a good race. I felt at the end of the race Mitch was a bit stronger than me, but it is a good result and we will regroup tonight, look at where we are and we will go again tomorrow.”
Another back-to-back victory? Envision Racing eye up more success at the Rome E-Prix
A crucial double-header in Italy awaits Nick Cassidy and Envision Racing as the battle for both Formula E championship titles heats up.
The inaugural Portland E-Prix was one to remember for Envision Racing, and in particular Nick Cassidy. Following a difficult double-header weekend in Indonesia for the Jakarta E-Prix, the Kiwi racer bounced back in style to claim his third victory of the year as Formula E competed in the Pacific Northwest for the first time.
The second career victory on US soil for Cassidy proved to be a vital one. Heading into a two-race weekend for the Rome E-Prix, and with just four races remaining in 2023, the Envision Racing driver sits just one point behind Jake Dennis. Coupled with this, Envision Racing are only six points adrift of Teams’ Championship leaders Porsche.
The gladiatorial battle is on in the Eternal City.
Once again this season, Cassidy proved he is a master of the overtake. Starting in 10th, the Berlin and Monaco E-Prix victor executed a supremely measured race plan to add a West Coast triumph to his New York City E-Prix scalp from 2022.
The racing was close and at times chaotic in Portland, and both Cassidy and Envision Racing team-mate Sébastien Buemi will be hoping for a less eventful weekend, back on European soil, and on a familiar layout.
Buemi certainly knows his way around the streets surrounding the Colosseum, and the Swiss driver has regularly graced the top 10 in the Italian capital, with a best result of fifth achieved in Season 5. Cassidy made waves in Rome during his debut season, claiming a sensational pole position after just his fourth Formula E qualifying session back in 2021.
Will Cassidy be seeking a front row start this time, or would he rather fight from the mid pack?
THE CHALLENGE IN ROME
Making up Rounds 13 and 14 of the 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, this year’s race will make up the fifth time the Rome E-Prix has been staged. The first race was hosted in Season 4, with no event held during the COVID-19 pandemic affected season in 2020.
The Circuito Cittadino dell’EUR has become a favourite amongst the Formula E paddock. Featuring one of the longest layouts on the calendar, the layout is packed with varying undulations and elevation changes which can have a major impact on how teams and drivers approach both qualifying, and the race strategy. Add to this iconic landmarks and buildings such as the Piazza G. Marconi and the imposing Piazzale delle Naziono Unite, and you have a stage for both great racing and iconic scenery.
The long straights and tight corners mean that overtaking is going to happen in both races come rain or shine. As witnessed in the previous races this year, leading the early stages in a GEN3 car is not the most ideal thing, and picking the right time to lead the pack will be crucial in determining the winner in 2023. It also means that a front row qualifying slot isn’t make or break for a big points haul in Rome.
Envision Racing have form in Italy, with pole positions and podiums in the record books. With the momentum from Cassidy’s victory in Portland, and a resurgent Sébastien Buemi, all roads could be leading to another big points haul this weekend as the battle for the top heats up in Formula E.
LAST TIME OUT IN PORTLAND
The very first Portland E-Prix had it all, and Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy showed why he is one of the coolest, and fastest, cats in Formula E.
In 2023 nobody has matched the New Zealand racer in his ability to pull off decisive and sometimes audacious overtakes when it matters. Whether it be fighting back to claim vital points in his championship charge, or securing E-Prix wins in Monaco and Berlin, the Envision Racing driver left Portland in championship contention.
‘Driver of the Race’ Cassidy started his afternoon in the picturesque surrounds of Oregon state six points adrift of Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein as the battle for the win went right down to the final lap. Staring 10th, Cassidy surged to the front, intermittently leading throughout the early phase of the race, saving energy, tyres and composure until the final lap, where he fended off new championship leader Jake Dennis to make it a hat-trick of win in 2023 and remain a bonafide title contender as the season approaches its climax.
Underlining the pace of the Jaguar-powered Envision Racing machine, team-mate Sébastien Buemi showed his grit and speed. The Swiss driver battled back from the lower reaches of the pack to end up fifth at the flag to bolster his team’s title challenge, and he will look to score big in Rome as well as help Cassidy’s quest for the Drivers’ Championship.
A stunning display saw Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy claim his third win of the season at the inaugural Portland E-Prix as both championships are up for grabs.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship did its thing in the Pacific Northwest for the first time on Saturday for the Portland E-Prix, and Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy did his thing, winning for the third time in 2023 to reignite his, and Envision Racing’s, championship challenge.
Cassidy began his afternoon in Oregon sitting in third place in the Drivers’ Championship standings, six points adrift of Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein. Despite starting the first ever Portland E-Prix in 10th, Cassidy judged his race to perfection, overtaking left, right and centre, mixing speed and strategy, to end up at the front when it mattered in a frantic E-Prix.
The Portland International Raceway is no stranger to dramatic motorsport battles. The fast and flowing circuit offered a different challenge from the more familiar street-circuit layouts, but proved a welcome home for the GEN3 Formula E machinery.
Amid the chaotic, sometimes three-wide pack racing in Portland, Cassidy’s team-mate Sébastien Buemi enjoyed a rewarding afternoon. The Swiss driver started back in 16th, but kept out of trouble and saved energy well to cap his best result since April’s Berlin E-Prix, claiming fifth in North America.
Cassidy started the inaugural Portland E-Prix in 10th place, for the third race in a row. The Envision Racing Driver made immediate progress, and as up front polesitter Jake Dennis held the lead, Cassidy found himself in fifth by the beginning of lap two of 28.
From the opening laps it quickly became clear patience, and a strict energy saving strategy would be key to success in Portland. By lap three, Cassidy tentatively cycled to the lead, relegating Dennis to second, with Rene Rast holding third. On lap four, Cassidy became the first of the frontrunners to take an Attack Mode phase, dropping to fourth.
It's a clean start for everyone here but it's Nick Cassidy who's made the biggest impact early on!
One lap later the first safety car was triggered by the stricken Mahindra of Roberto Merhi, with the restart coming on lap seven and Norman Nato heading the pack. As several of the leading drivers including Cassidy took Attack Mode, further back, Envision Racing’s Buemi managed to make ground, moving up to 12th.
Back at the front it was a calculated tussle, with drivers giving themselves plenty of racing room as the positions swapped in anticipation of a late-race squabble for the win. As Cassidy took the lead on lap 10, a sizeable crash for Nico Müller brought out another safety car phase.
With the heavily damaged Abt removed from the circuit, racing resumed on lap 16 with Nato heading the field to the green flag, and Cassidy fending off Maximilian Günther, before somewhat reluctantly retaking the lead on lap 18. Cassidy managed to artfully lead whilst also saving energy, putting him in a strong position for the closing laps.
By lap 20, the whole pack was playing a waiting game and saving energy, with Cassidy somehow remaining at the head of the field, finally being passed by António Félix da Costa two laps later.
For the first time the pack racing formation was broken, as da Costa pulled away from Cassidy, with Günther holding third, as it was announced that due to the earlier safety car phases, four laps would be added to the initial 28-lap race duration.
Cassidy retook the lead at the beginning of lap 27, passing da Costa at the final turn as Dennis moved into third. Third became second for Dennis as the race entered its final four laps and the battle for victory was well and truly on with Cassidy up front.
Da Costa passed Cassidy at the end of lap 29, only to be repassed by the Envision Racing man a few hundred metres later as incredibly, Buemi found himself in fourth and in with a shot for a podium.
The final lap started with Cassidy up front. Could the Envision Racing driver hold on for a third win of the year? The answer was yes, as the Berlin and Monaco winner resisted a resurgent Dennis to take the chequered flag and end up just one point off the lead of the Drivers’ Championship.
Behind Cassidy, Buemi sealed a superb fifth place to bag vital points for the Teams’ Championship, putting Envision Racing just four points adrift of Porsche as the team heads back to Europe for the final four races of the season.
“We’ve had a good run in America over the last couple of years, and I love racing here,” said Cassidy.
“That race was fun, it was so close and the battle with both da Costa and Jake was pretty intense. Credit to Envision Racing, what a car, what a powertrain, it allowed us to move up the field and fight at the front and get the win.”
