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Formula E: Jakarta E-Prix preview and how to watch

Round 9 of the Formula E World Championship heads to the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit with Mercedes’ Stoffel Vandoorne leading the way.

Formula E arrives at the series’ first-ever race in Indonesia and the Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit in Ancol Beach. This weekend’s E-Prix marks the start of the second half of the season. A year that has so far seen five different race winners from the opening eight rounds.

Where Things Stand

After eight races, Stoffel Vandoorne tops the driver standings with 111 points, but second through fifth place are within about a race-win distance (25 points). Back-to-back podium finishes for Edoardo Montrara have him in second with 99 points and Jean-Eric Vergne just four points back. Despite failing to win so far this season Vergne is the only driver to finish in the points (the top-10) at every race. Last year’s champion, and the most recent race winner, Nyck de Vries sits in sixth with 65 points.

In the Team Championship, two race wins in the last three rounds by Mercedes extended its lead by 25 points over ROKiT Venturi. DS Techeetah remains within touching distance, 35 points back, despite being the only team in the top-five without a race winner.

The Jakarta E-Prix Circuit

The Jakarta E-Prix is a brand new track that was put together in near-record time. Whether that leads to any on-track or logistical issues remains to be seen. The 2.37 km, 18-turn circuit features a mix of tight and high-speed corners, banked sections and appears to have several overtaking opportunities. Keep an eye on Turns 1, 7 and 13, while a strong run heading towards the pit entry may offer a chance to pass on the final turn (18), heading to the start/finish line.

How to Watch (all times are in EDT)

Note: The race will take place live at 4 a.m. EDT, but will be aired on CBS Sports Network at 12:30 pm.

 

What to Watch For

  1. Which teams can adapt to a brand-new circuit the quickest?
  2. Can anyone slow down Mercedes-EQ on their quest to close out their time in Formula E with back-to-back championships?
  3. Could this finally be DS Techeetah’s weekend to pick up their first race win this season?
  4. After a strong rookie season and a podium at the first race of the year, Jake Dennis has been struggling recently. As the de facto team leader, Avalanche Andretti needs a bounce-back performance to help lift their season.
  5. As the lone team left without points, could a new track offer hope for Dragon / Penske Autosport?

Formula E is all about power management and is the only series that lets the fans have an impact on the race. FANBOOST allows fans to vote for their favorite driver each day leading up to an E-Prix. The top five drivers once voting closes will receive an extra boost of power, basically enough to make one critical move if used correctly. To sign up to vote or check the current standings head to the FANBOOST page.

TOP IMAGE: Sam Bagnell/Formula

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