Stoffel Vandoorne took first place at the Tokyo E-Prix. The race was disrupted by rain, and the conditions favoured the Belgian’s comeback.
Formula E: How Vandoorne Won in Tokyo
Oliver Rowland was awarded pole position in Race 1 at the Tokyo E-Prix, although no qualifying session was held. Heavy rain prevented the session from taking place, so the starting grid was decided by the Free Practice 2 results.
The bad weather continued right up to the start. The getaway was postponed for ten minutes and then took place behind the Safety Car. After four laps, the Safety Car pulled in, and the race director opted for a standing restart.
The start was lively, with plenty of contact. Rowland held first place, followed by Edoardo Mortara. Sébastien Buemi was the first to activate Attack Mode on lap 5, and several drivers soon followed.
Buemi climbed the order, making the most of his all-wheel-drive advantage in the tricky conditions. The Envision driver passed Mortara for second, but the Mahindra driver responded with Attack Mode and retook the spot.
On lap 12, Stoffel Vandoorne was the first to take his Pit Boost. Meanwhile, Rowland stayed out front with a three-second advantage, yet to use Attack Mode.
READ MORE: Formula E Ready for the Tokyo E-Prix: The Seasonal Turning Point
The Red Flag
Maximilian Guenther, winner of the 2024 Tokyo E-Prix, stopped at the side of the track on lap 13, bringing out a red flag.
The race resumed after a few minutes, the field lining up behind the Safety Car for one lap. Rowland chose not to take his Pit Boost immediately after the restart, instead activating Attack Mode on lap 17.
On lap 21, the black flag was shown to Jake Dennis; the Andretti driver was disqualified for taking his Pit Boost while the pit lane was closed.
Soon after, another frontrunner hit trouble. Mitch Evans damaged his car in contact with Nyck de Vries. Meanwhile, on lap 24, Rowland finally took his Pit Boost, but the Nissan driver was overtaken by Vandoorne, who had pitted before the red flag.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Buescher DQ-ed After Kansas, Driver Announcements For Charlotte, and More: NASCAR News Flash
The Closing Laps
Rowland was 20 seconds behind Vandoorne, who, with ten laps remaining, looked the favourite for victory. Both still had one Attack Mode left. Vandoorne activated his on lap 29 and pulled clear, while Rowland had to watch out for Taylor Barnard in third.
Rowland used his Attack Mode on lap 31, dropping behind Barnard, but repassed the McLaren a few corners later. The young Brit then had to fend off Mortara, who had also triggered Attack Mode.
Race control added three laps, extending the race to lap 38. In the closing stages, the fight for second intensified: Rowland was chased hard by Barnard, with Buemi a little further back.
On the final lap, Rowland had to nurse a shortage of energy, but the two Brits fought to the line, and the Nissan driver hung on to second place.
Vandoorne claimed victory in the eighth round of the season—his first win and first podium of 2025. Behind the Belgian came Rowland and Barnard.
READ NEXT: Formula E: Nissan Hoping To Win at Home in Tokyo
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 17.05.2025
