Mitch Evans made the first move in Formula E’s championship-deciding weekend in London, putting Jaguar TCS Racing at the top of the timesheets in opening practice at ExCeL London on Friday.
The New Zealander produced a late 1:08.175 to lead FP1, getting his weekend off to a strong start as he chases a maiden ABB FIA Formula E World Championship title.
Evans arrived in London just two points behind championship leader Jake Dennis, with the Andretti driver on 146 points and Evans on 144. Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein is also firmly in contention on 141, leaving just five points covering the championship’s leading three drivers ahead of the final two races of the GEN3 era.
It was Dennis who initially showed strong pace around Formula E’s unique indoor-outdoor London circuit, but the Briton also survived a scare when he carried too much speed towards the ATTACK MODE activation area and came close to the wall.
The Andretti driver avoided contact and eventually ended the session fifth fastest.
As the clock wound down, Nyck de Vries looked set to end Friday on top for Mahindra Racing. With one minute remaining, the Dutchman led Wehrlein and Edoardo Mortara.
Evans, however, had other ideas.
The Jaguar driver delivered his fastest lap in the closing moments to jump to the top of the order, leaving de Vries second and Wehrlein third.
Taylor Barnard put DS PENSKE fourth, ahead of championship leader Dennis in fifth.
The session was not without problems elsewhere in the field. Dan Ticktum triggered an early yellow flag after stopping at Turn 10 and reporting an issue with the front-right of his car. The CUPRA KIRO driver was able to return to the garage, although the incident cost him valuable running.
For Evans, the result provides an encouraging opening to a weekend where the margins could hardly be smaller.
Dennis leads the championship on 146 points, Evans follows on 144 and Wehrlein sits third with 141, while Oliver Rowland remains in contention on 132. In total, nine drivers arrived in London still mathematically capable of taking the title.
The season finale also marks the end of Formula E’s GEN3 era, placing even greater significance on the final double-header of the campaign.
Friday’s times will count for little once competitive action begins, but Evans and Jaguar have at least landed the first blow.
The drivers return to the track for Free Practice 2 at 08:30 BST on Saturday, before qualifying at 10:40 and the first race of the London double-header at 15:05.
