Maximilian Gunther Sets Pace in Jeddah E-Prix Free Practice
Maximilian Gunther of DS Penske demonstrated his enduring prowess at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit by topping the first free practice session (FP1) for the Jeddah E-Prix on Thursday. With a blistering lap time of 1:15.714, Gunther, who won the race here last season, signaled his strong contention for victory in the upcoming rounds. This performance builds on his previous success, where he secured pole position and won the first race of the doubleheader in the prior season.
Podium Finishers Dominate the Top Positions
Interestingly, the top six finishers in FP1 all have podium finishes this season, underscoring the competitive depth of the field. Pascal Wehrlein, fresh off a podium in Miami, secured second place, while Jake Dennis of Andretti, the Sao Paulo E-Prix winner, took third. This trend suggests that established contenders may dominate the weekend, though surprises could still emerge over the two races.
Gunther, yet to claim a podium this year, is poised to go all-in during Round 4 on Friday and Round 5 on Saturday. His consistent speed in FP1 positions him as a key figure to watch as the event progresses.
Midfield Battle and Notable Performances
Further down the order, Edoardo Mortara of Mahindra Racing finished fourth, followed by Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing in fifth. Oliver Rowland, who won the second race of last year's Jeddah doubleheader, placed sixth, keeping his podium hopes alive. The session also saw strong showings from Sebastien Buemi of Envision Racing in seventh, Dan Ticktum of Cupra Kiro in eighth, and Norman Nato of Nissan in ninth.
Taylor Barnard, who achieved pole and a podium in Jeddah last year, rounded out the top ten. These results highlight the tight competition across the grid, with multiple teams and drivers in the mix for top honors.
Upcoming Schedule and Special Events
Action continues on Friday with FP2 scheduled for 1:30 p.m. local time (4:00 p.m. IST), followed by Round 4 qualifying at 3:40 p.m. local time (6:10 p.m. IST). The final race under the lights is set for 8:05 p.m. local time (10:35 p.m. IST). This schedule repeats on Saturday for Round 5, ensuring a packed weekend of high-speed racing.
After the races, the Formula E Evo Sessions are slated for Sunday, featuring ten popular social media influencers driving GEN3 Evo cars in a fun race. This event adds an entertaining twist to the weekend, blending motorsport with digital culture.
As the Jeddah E-Prix unfolds, fans can expect intense battles on track, with Gunther and other podium finishers leading the charge. The combination of experienced winners and rising stars promises an exciting spectacle in the heart of Saudi Arabia.
