The wait is over. Finally, the action returned to the ABB FIa Formula E track, as this January 28th took place the first race of the Diriyah E-Prix 2022, in Saudi Arabia. The speed curtain went up in the Middle East, where Mercedes-EQ’s power was evidenced by its two drivers, Nick de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne.
The current champion from the highest category of electric single-seaters took the seat of honor for Saturday’s race, while his Belgian teammate followed him closely in second position (0.636). The podium was completed by Jake Dennis (+8.802) from Avalanche Andretti, promising excitement and adrenaline for an epic battle.
Sam Bird’s TCS Jaguar crossed the finish line in fourth position, while Lucas di Grassi, one of the most anticipated drivers for the new season, took fifth place (+15.152) aboard his ROKiT Venturi Racing car. His teammate, Edoardo Mortara, came in behind in sixth place (+16.015).
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Thus, according to first impressions of the nascent 8th season of Formula E, things started just as they ended on the previous season. Vandoorne and de Vries at the front, being chased by Avalanche Andretti’s Briton.
Among the highlights was the debut of Antonio Giovinazzi, the Italian who left Formula 1 to join the sustainable transition, opening his performance at 20th position, 1.116.527 behind the winner. Also rookie Oliver Askew put in a strong performance after scoring points in his first E-Prix. Avalanche Andretti man saw the checkered flag in ninth position.
On the other hand, the first appearance of the Porsche Taycan Safety Car was evident at the championship, when it came in to remove a Mahindra vehicle from the track. Everything has been served on the asphalt of Diriyah for the definition of the first Formula E weekend, this Saturday, January 29th.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
