Dan Ticktum Emerges Fastest in Jeddah E-Prix Second Practice Session
In a notable shift from the first free practice, Cupra Kiro driver Dan Ticktum claimed the top spot in FP2 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Friday, marking a new face at the forefront of the Formula E weekend. Ticktum recorded a blistering lap time of 1m15.343s, outpacing the consistent performers from FP1 and injecting fresh excitement into the championship battle.
Top Three Drivers Maintain Strong Form in Jeddah
Andretti's Jake Dennis secured second place in FP2, closely followed by Porsche's Pascal Wehrlein in third. This duo, who had dominated the top positions in FP1, demonstrated remarkable consistency by remaining among the leaders, though they swapped places in the second session. Dennis, the winner of Round 1 in Sao Paulo this season, and Wehrlein, who podiumed with a third-place finish in Round 3 in Miami, are proving to be formidable contenders as the E-Prix progresses.
Complete FP2 Results and Key Performances
The rest of the field saw Nissan's Norman Nato take fourth place, with Mahindra Racing's Edoardo Mortara finishing fifth. Jaguar TCS Racing's Antonio Felix da Costa rounded out the top six in FP2. Maximilian Gunther, who had topped FP1 on Thursday, slipped to seventh in this session, indicating the competitive and unpredictable nature of Formula E qualifying.
DS Penske's Taylor Barnard was eighth, followed by Andretti rookie Felipe Drugovich in ninth and DS Penske's Jean-Eric Vergne in tenth. The session was not without drama, as Oliver Rowland hit the barrier at Turn 16, damaging the front-right of his car. This incident forced his retirement from FP2, despite him being the fastest driver on track prior to the crash, potentially affecting his preparations for the crucial qualifying session later in the evening.
Upcoming Schedule and Strategic Elements
After a brief break, Round 4 qualifying is set to commence at 3:40 p.m. local time (6:10 p.m. IST), followed by the race at 8:05 p.m. local time (10:35 p.m. IST). Saturday will mirror this schedule, starting with FP3 in the early afternoon, then qualifying in the evening, and culminating with the Round 5 race under the lights. The double-header weekend introduces the Pit Boost feature, adding an extra layer of strategy alongside the existing Attack Mode, which could shake up race outcomes.
Post-Race Weekend Highlights and Fan Engagement
Following the conclusion of the competitive races, a special Formula E Evo Session is scheduled for Sunday. This unique event will feature ten selected social media influencers participating in an electric race, streamed live on YouTube, enhancing fan engagement and showcasing the sport's innovative spirit to a broader audience.
