When Formula E decided to include Jakarta for the 2022 calendar there were more question marks than certainties. Protests, political conflict over budget issues and delays in construction work put the E-Prix in check.
However, the organizers, with the support of the Formula E management team, pulled off the day, which was so successful that a double-header was scheduled for 2023.
This year’s two rounds were held in an unfriendly climate for drivers and spectators, but that did not prevent the excitement that gripped the whole of Indonesia.
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Guenther in the Spotlight
Maserati MSG Racing’s Maximilian Guenther dominated the timers throughout the weekend. The German driver found an instant rapport with the circuit and led free practice and qualifying.
Guenther also finally achieved his first Julius Baer Pole Position in Saturday’s race, an accolade that had cost the 25-year-old 60 races.
Delighted with the title of pole winner, the Teuton was on a roll and also managed to secure the qualifying stage for the following race. Clearly attached to the circuit, his weekend reign was also rewarded with a race on Sunday, making him the only driver to win from pole in the last 14 races.
Cassidy’s Run
Envision Racing driver Nick Cassidy came into the Jakarta weekend with the championship lead and back-to-back wins in Berlin and Monaco.
Everything was on track. However, things fell apart in Rounds 10 and 11, and he now dropped to third in the standings, albeit six points behind TAG Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein, who is back on top.
Cassidy scored just seven points over the double header in Indonesia, finishing seventh with the fastest lap in race one and 18th with no points the following day.
He clashed heavily with Jean-Eric Vergne (DS PENSKE) on Saturday and was unable to make a charge on championship rival Wehrlein, which ended with him crashing into the barrier.
Despite the bumpy ride, Cassidy was able to get back on track with some damage to the front wing, but had to settle for finishing at the back of the grid.
