It hasn’t been that long since Formula E finished the doubleheader in Monaco, which saw Oliver Rowland and Sebastian Buemi take victory around the principality, and already we are back! This time for a relatively new circuit for Formula E standards: the Tokyo E-Prix! This round is once again a doubleheader, and after the singular race we had last year, this year is bound to be a top-class event again!
Circuit Preview:
This 2.575km long circuit goes around the iconic city of Tokyo to bring with it the 18 turns, long straights and fast corners to make overtaking here up to the drivers. After Oliver Rowland was leading going into the final lap last year, the Maserati driver Maximilian Guenther made a pass for the lead and took the victory ahead of the Briton at his team’s home race.
Round 8 Predictions:
Pole Position: Oliver Rowland
The championship leader goes into this doubleheader with the biggest points gap ever seen in Formula E during the Gen3 era. As this is his team’s home race, he will be wanting to make Nissan proud with a home pole position and extend his lead even more!
Race Winner: Oliver Rowland
Pole-to-race wins seem to be rare in the electric pinnacle of motorsport, especially when it is so tight between all drivers and teams. After losing victory to Sebastian Buemi last time in Monaco and accomplishing P2 in the latter race of the doubleheader, Rowland will be extra motivated to get as many points as possible in order to secure the championship as soon as possible.
Podium: 2 Porsche Power Trains
The Porsche powertrain was very strong last year, with the powertrain quadrat locking out P3 to P6 inclusive. It would not surprise me to see 2 of those powertrains obtain 2 podium positions.
Round 9 Predictions:
Pole Position: Nico Mueller
I am going with my gut on this one. Mueller did very well last year, getting P7 on the road in the Abt Cupra team. I think he will be able to do even better after getting settled in with the track and managing to take pole position for round 9!
Race winner: Mitch Evans
Going with my gut for these predictions, which can either go one way or another, but Jaguar could surprise everyone with their race pace. It will be a big shock if they do manage to achieve it, but something tells me the New Zealander Mitch Evans will take victory around Tokyo.
Podium: Nissan Power Trains
Currently 4 cars have the Nissan powertrain, and I can see at least 2 of them appearing on the podium in this non-pit boost race. The energy conservation of the Nissans will benefit them, and I can see possibly both McLarens or both Nissans on the podium for Sunday’s race!
Biggest Surprise: Neom McLaren
After a disaster in Monaco for the majority of Nissan-powered cars, almost exclusively the Neom McLarens, I think they will bounce back to deliver a positive result as the Papaya-based team bids farewell to Formula E at the end of this season.
Biggest Disappointment: Pascal Wehrlein
My gut feeling says that Wehrlein will not have a great weekend, which would be very unfortunate for the reigning world champion as he struggles to maintain his title defence bid.
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