If it wasn't already a challenge to predict the most unpredictable motorsport on the planet, the DHL Valencia E-Prix throws another curveball into the mix, as the Formula E goes from the street to the race track for the first time in the series' history.
VALENCIA PREVIEW: Everything you need to know ahead of the 2021 DHL Valencia E-Prix Rounds 5 & 6
To help get you started with your line-up for the double-header this weekend, take a look at some in-form runners from the 2020/21 season alongside some drivers who have been particularly quick in testing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
for the win
Testing is just that, it's testing, but if the last two pre-season tests are anything to go by then Maximilian Guenther is looking rosy for Formula E's first-ever visit to a permanent race track.
The BMW i Andretti Motorsport driver has topped the timesheets in the last two visits to the Spanish circuit. Whilst he's not been up at the sharp-end yet this season, the mercurial German will feel bolstered by his past performance here.
IMAGE ID: /guenther-valencia-testing IMAGE CAPTION: /Maximilian Guether (BMW i Andretti Motorsport) tackling the Circuit Ricardo Tormo back in November, 2019
DS TECHEETAH are always one to keep an eye on in Predictor. Jean-Eric Vergne was immediately successful with the box-fresh DS powertrain in Rome, taking the top honours in Round 3.
Reigning champion and JEV's team-mate, Antonio Felix da Costa, was more unassuming in the Eternal City. The Portuguese driver currently sits in 10th position in the driver standings and will be looking to get some solid points on the board for his title defence.
Mercedes-EQ experienced all the emotions in Rome, from a double DNF in Round 3 to Stoffel Vandoorne taking the win in Round 4. The legendary German marque still looks menacing and will be looking to close the lead that Sam Bird and Mitch Evans have built for Jaguar Racing in the Teams' standings.
Three to watch for the win in Valencia
Super Pole showdown
It'll be interesting to see what happens in qualifying for the DHL Valencia E-Prix. The field won't have to worry so much about dealing with changing surface conditions or dirty roads, a permanent race track means perfectly laid tarmac.
With Guenther's form from the last two pre-season tests, the German will be one to watch out for in the first two Free Practice sessions on Saturday, to see if he has the pace to take the front row spot
Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams) has been rapid in qualifying this season and the British driver has been putting in some monstrous laps. He was flying in Rome and was on target for the Julius Baer Pole Position, but a scrappy lap resulted in him slapping the wall. There won't be many walls to worry about in Valencia...
The rookies wasted no time in Rome, Nick Cassidy (Envision Virgin Racing) and Norman Nato (ROKiT Venturi Racing) locked out the front row of the grid in Round 4. Nato was just a percentage short of a maiden rostrum finish in the race, the Frenchman was the fastest rookie here back in pre-season testing.
Three for the Julius Baer Pole Position
Fastest over one lap
BMW-powered drivers have been quick around the Circuit Ricardo Tormo. In Formula E's last three testing appearances at the Spanish circuit, the blue-and-white roundel has been at the head of the timing screens.
First, it was Da Costa ahead of Season 5, followed by Guenther leading the pack before Seasons 6 and 7. Both drivers have been consistently quick in Valencia, and are two race winners from last season who have yet to log some big points in 2020/21.
The DRAGON / PENSKE AUTOSPORT pair of Sergio Sette Camara and Nico Mueller were a surprise in Valencia for Season 7 testing - both finishing less than 0.050 seconds shy of Guenther's time. Since then, Sette Camara has demonstrated flashes of speed by bounding into Super Pole in the opening race in Diriyah. They could both be an outside bet for a quick lap in Valencia.
Three potential picks for the TAG Heuer Fastest Lap
Wildcards
Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler's Rene Rast has been a points earner in Predictor. The German has claimed both a TAG Heuer Fastest Lap point and was the highest grid climber in the first Rome race, making up 14 places from 20th on the grid on the way to some solid championship points in sixth.
Pascal Wehrlein has been plugging away for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. The German is the only driver coming into the DHL Valencia E-Prix to have scored a point in every race this season. Adding to this, the German was up in the mix in Rome, scoring his first podium finish with the legendary manufacturer. Moves like the below on Nato show that he's gelling with the Porsche 99X Electric.
.@PWehrlein passes @NatoNorman for the lead in the #RomeEPrix
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) April 11, 2021
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He was challenging for the win in Rome until a technical issue ended his race, but Lucas di Grassi was looking quick in the Audi. The former champion is a calculated operator and logged some fast laps in Valencia testing.
One of Formula E's old guard, the Brazilian former champion has been without a win since Mexico City in 2019 and will be looking to return to the top step after missing out in Rome.
Three wildcards for your Predictor line-ups