Antonio Felix da Costa topped back-to-back practice sessions in Shanghai, undoubtedly looking like the man to beat as the grid now get ready for qualifying in just a matter of hours. The TAG Heuer Porsche driver won here last year and will be hoping to make it back to the top step of the podium for his first victory in Season 11.
He was joined in the top three by NEOM McLaren’s Taylor Barnard who continues his incredible run of form in his first full-time Formula E season, as well as Mahindra Racing’s Nyck de Vries who has also looked very strong in Shanghai.
Maximilian Guenther finished fourth for DS PENSKE, with Jake Hughes fifth for Maserati MSG Racing. Jake Dennis was sixth for Andretti, followed by Nick Cassidy in seventh, Stoffel Vandoorne in eighth and Nico Mueller (Andretti) and Zane Maloney (Lola Yamaha ABT) locking out the top 10.
As it happened…
It was a smooth start to the early morning session at 8am local time. The CUPRA KIRO’s were both looking strong, with Dan Ticktum going fastest followed by David Beckmann leading the way in the first 10 minutes of the session. Lucas di Grassi looked more at home with his Lola Yamaha ABT today, after radioing of oversteer issues during the first free practice yesterday afternoon – he was second with 15 minutes of the session complete.
Podium finisher here last year, Jake Hughes, set a storming lap to go top – a 1m08.992s. The Maserati MSG Racing driver also achieved pole here in Season 10, and currently had one podium to his name whilst racing for the iconic Trident. Can he make it two today?
Dennis took the top spot briefly, with the Andretti driver setting a time just 0.020s off that of Hughes. However, as the session reached its final 10 minutes, several drivers were banking practice qualifying laps. Antonio Felix da Costa looked quick, with two purple sectors on his way to the quickest lap of the day so far.
More drivers continued to improve with Barnard going second, with de Vries continuing to look rapid at the Shanghai International Circuit.
Oliver Rowland was bottom of the times in 22nd, but was still just six tenths off the time of da Costa’s best lap; proving just how close and competitive this grid is as we now prepare for qualifying.
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