Vandoorne takes Julius Baer Pole Position for Berlin finale as Evans outqualifies title rivals

Join Formula E

Sign in or create your Formula E account

It's quick, easy and free to sign up

You'll get access to:

  • Helmet

    News. Analysis. Exclusive Features

  • Schedule

    Priority Booking. Early Bird Pricing

  • Trophy

    Competitions. Discounts. Experiences

  • Podium

    Predict. Vote. Win.

TO CONTINUE READING...

You will need to sign in or create a Formula E account.

Vandoorne takes Julius Baer Pole Position for Berlin finale as Evans outqualifies title rivals

Vandoorne takes Julius Baer Pole Position for Berlin finale as Evans outqualifies title rivals

Mercedes-EQ’s Stoffel Vandoorne will start the BMW i Berlin E-Prix presented by CBMM Niobium Round 15 from Julius Baer Pole Position with Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams) joining him on the front row while Mitch Evans (Jaguar Racing) lines up third and in the box seat – a real boost to his title chances.

The relaxed air and the “what will be, will be” attitudes around the paddock had well and truly disappeared by the time qualifying for Round 15 got underway at the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit in Berlin, with Season 7 coming to a head and the pressure piling on in the fight for World Championship honours.

Conditions varied throughout Group Qualifying, making it anybody’s game. Jaguar Racing’s Mitch Evans soared to Super Pole from Group 1, then produced another strong lap despite “rising tensions” as the championship picture became a little clearer.

STANDINGS: The Drivers' World Championship ahead of the Season 7 finale

“It’s surprising to be honest because traditionally Group 1 is a hinderance. We weren’t the quickest in FP2 but I was happy with my lap. The tension was rising and my Super Pole lap wasn’t as good as Group 1. To be third is ideal with the championship situation. You’ve got to go all out I think but the team will be there to guide me through it.”

 

How the title protagonists line up

Jake Dennis (BMW i Andretti Motorsport) was left best of the rest of those right at the sharp end in the battle for the Drivers’ crown but found himself outside of the Super Pole cut-off.

The Brit starts a workable ninth, ahead of current standings leader Nyck de Vries (Mercedes-EQ), who’ll line up 13th and Edo Mortara starts 11th with reigning champion Antonio Felix da Costa (DS TECHEETAH) the next real protagonist down in 15th and Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler), who missed out on Super Pole by only 0.120 seconds, remarkably, starts 17th.

WAYS TO WATCH: Where and how to watch every minute of Season 7

Vandoorne’s lap was clean and clinical, with the Belgian happy to recover from some procedural mistakes in qualifying yesterday. He feels they got the maximum out of the Silver Arrow 02 here.

Rowland joins the Belgian on the front row, just ahead of Evans, while Mahindra Racing’s Alex Sims produced a storming lap, steering his M7Electro to fourth with an ultra-precise lap.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! Give your favourite driver a power-boost with FANBOOST

NIO 333’s Tom Blomqvist pulled the rabbit out of the hat in Group Qualifying to go fifth fastest. He doubled down on that impressive Group Qualifying lap with a tidy run to fifth in Super Pole.

Norman Nato (ROKiT Venturi Racing) had done exceptionally in Group Qualifying and had made the top six shootout, but a technical issue put paid to his chances of pole. He’ll start sixth.