That's it for Formula E action for today - thank you for your company!
Don't forget that we're doing it all again tomorrow at the same time for the second part of the Diriyah double header. See you then!
18:18
CASSIDY POST-RACE
'I'm really lucky, I had a really fast car today. My team were amazing. I made a bit of a wrong choice in qualifying, but with how they support us in the race and qualifying was really mega, so this one is for them.'
18:15
VERGNE POST-RACE
'Usually, starting on pole you want to win the race and any other place is a disappointment. But today I'm very happy with the second place because the pace we had in the race was clearly not the one Jake [Dennis] showed with his car and well done to him, he's been flying during this race.
'So that's honestly the best I could have done today and looking back to last year where I was out of the points in both races here in Diriyah, I think we made a huge step forward and I'm very happy that the work is paying off. We're catching up; we're not quite there yet, but we're going to be there and, hopefully, some race we'll be able to beat them.
'But right now I'm very happy with the second place, to get the points in the championship, and to improve some things on the cars and maybe we'll fight for wins later on.'
18:08
DENNIS POST-RACE
'We had a difficult start to the season, turned it around, and came back and I got my biggest win in Formula E. What a race; incredible strategy and the last eight or nine laps I could really give it everything and create a 13-second lead. These days don't come very often and I get to share it with [my team] tonight and try to do it again tomorrow.
'There was a little bit of debate between me and the team about when we should take [the attack mode], but, ultimately, we got it right and that was the main thing. It's obviously so difficult to overtake here. Mitch [Evans] tried a do-or-die move and, thankfully, that got dust on his tyres and the next three or four laps he degraded quite quickly. That allowed me to get away and have an easy ride-in.
'But what an enjoyment, racing here in Saudi under the lights and just enjoying every lap - it was so much fun. The track really started to grip up in the end and we could push a couple of laps really hard.'
37/37
DENNIS WINS IN DIRIYAH
No problem for Dennis who brings P1 home with the fastest lap.
Behind, it's disaster for Evans who attacks Vergne for P2 but can't make it stick and instead falls down into fifth. Vergne maintains second ahead of Cassidy.
36/37
GAME ON FOR P2
Evans is pushing Vergne for P2 now. Feels like a question of when rather than if a move is coming.
35/37
NO TROUBLE FOR DENNIS
Staying out of trouble, Dennis is comfortable out front. He now also sets the fastest lap.
33/37
CASSIDY MAINTAINS FOURTH
That worked out nicely for Cassidy who grinds out a gap before heading into attack mode. He manages to stay ahead of Bird.
31/37
JAGUARS KEEP SWAPPING, BIRD FASTEST
Cassidy moves past Evans again. Right behind them. Bird is the fastest driver on track and en route to catching the Jaguars.
28/37
CASSIDY IN ATTACK MODE
Cassidy now triggers attack mode and falls back behind Evans.
26/37
JAGUAR STRATEGY
Jaguar ask Evans and Cassidy to swap places and they do. This, of course, means Cassidy is now third with Evans following in fourth.
Mind Cassidy still has eight minutes attack to use.
25/37
ADVANTAGE SETTE CAMARA
Sette Camara is currently running seventh but the three drivers ahead of him still need to take attack mode while the Brazilian doesn't. Fourth is definitely on the cards.
24/37
CASSIDY HITS THE WALL
Cassidy finds the wall as he heads for attack mode but is able to continue. It looks like there might be a bit of debris on the track.
22/37
CHASERS BUNCH UP
Evans is looking in trouble now as he has fallen right into the clutches of Nato, more than three seconds separating him from Vergne. Sette Camara and Bird are right behind as well.
20/37
DENNIS IN CONTROL FOR NOW
Dennis is still sitting pretty in the lead with Vergne not taking significant time out of him at the moment. He also has an energy advantage by a per cent or so.
18/37
VERGNE ON THE CHASE
Vergne is now seriously pushing to catch Dennis ahead. He is a couple of per cent in energy down on his opponent though which could become crucial later on.
16/37
VERGNE INTO SECOND
Evans is on the defensive line, but Vergne attacks fiercely and manages to go past.
16/37
BREATHING SPACE FOR DENNIS
Evans' failed overtake attempt has given Dennis a bit of breathing space. There's nothing separating Evans and Vergne behind.
14/37
EVANS GOES FOR P1, DENNIS PREVAILS
Evans is going for the lead with an attempted overtake on Dennis. However, he is in too deep and can't make the move stick. Instead, Evans falls into Vergne's clutches but can keep the Frenchman behind him.
13/37
STRAIGHT SHOOT-OUT BETWEEN TOP THREE
Of course, with the top three drivers having already used their two attack modes this is a straight racing shoot-out between them.
Evans is looking the fastest of the trio at the moment.
13/37
EVANS TAKES SECOND
Nicely done by Evans who attacks Vergne for second coming out of Turn 17. The Frenchman tries to return the favour on the cut-back going onto the next lap, but Evans stands firm.
11/37
TOP THREE PULL AWAY
Dennis, Vergne, and Evans are gradually stretching away from the rest of the field. Nato is just over two seconds behind in fourth.
9/37
ATTACK MODE FOR EVANS
Evans surrenders to Vergne's challenge and heads into attack mode. He falls behind the Frenchman.
8/37
DENNIS IN THE LEAD
That worked out beautifully for Dennis. He created a gap on track with Evans and Vergne challenging each other behind and as he heads into his second attack mode, he manages to stay in front.
7/37
VERGNE BACK IN ATTACK
Interesting tactic from Vergne who already heads back into attack mode. He falls into third behind Evans.
6/37
VERGNE BACK IN THE LEAD
So close for Dennis! The reigning champion stayed out and pushed hard to create a gap. Heading into attack mode now, he exits almost side to side with Vergne but the Frenchman just about prevails.
5/37
EVANS IN ATTACK MODE
Evans pushes hard trying to create a gap before also going into attack mode. He falls behind Vergne into third while Dennis now leads the race.
4/37
VERGNE STRAIGHT INTO ATTACK MODE
Vergne is told that he has the gap - presumably to Sette Camara - and heads straight into attack mode, dropping him down into third.
Evans inherits the race lead.
2/37
STANDINGS AFTER ONE LAP
With the opening lap in the books, here is how the drivers are lining up:
Vergne
Evans
Dennis
Sette Camara
Nato
Bird
Cassidy
Gunther
Wehrlein
Hughes
1/37
VERGNE HOLDS LEAD
Vergne gets away from pole and holds onto the position into Turn 1. Sette Camara has an excellent start from fourth and challenges Evans, but the Kiwi holds firm and Sette-Camara drops back behind Dennis.
Wehrlein meanwhile had a dreadful start from sixth, falling down into ninth.
17:00
FOUR MINUTES TO GO
The drivers are in their cars and we're mere minutes away from going racing.
16:55
EVANS LEADS SOCIAL MEDIA POLL
Less than 10 minutes to lights out and Mitch Evans is leading Formula E's 'who will win today's race?' poll:
16:50
OPENING PROCEDURE UNDERWAY
The grid is getting ready for the opening drone show and national anthem. Only moments until we're ready to go racing!
16:45
VERGNE ON HIS RECORD-EQUALLING POLE POSITION
Jean-Eric Vergne made a bit of history earlier today when he bagged a record-equalling 16th pole position.
'I don't know how it was to watch, but definitely from the inside I had to give it everything,' he commented. 'That was a tough one! I think Mitch Evans was very fast. There was nothing I could leave on the table during that lap. I'm glad that we can get back into the Duels - it's been quite a lot of races that I haven't been there.
'It feels good for the team for the hard work that the guys put in to improve and to get to where we are now. It's great, so now we have to do it all in the race.'
16:40
GRID REMINDER
With just over 20 minutes left to lights out, here's a reminder of how the drivers will be lining up today:
Jean-Eric Vergne
Mitch Evans
Jake Dennis
Sergio Sette-Camara
Norman Nato
Pascal Wehrlein
Nick Cassidy
Maximilian Gunther
Sam Bird
Jake Hughes
16:35
FRIJNS ON TRACK CONDITIONS
Speaking after free practice, Robin Frijns admitted that the sandy track conditions were very challenging:
'First couple of laps it was very sandy, no grip at all. It is easy to look from the outside and say that we’re slow, but it is difficult to stay out of the wall in the first place. But the track is gripping up all the time and you clearly see there is one line going, so if you put one wheel off that line you’re off. That is what makes it tricky here but that is also why I like it!'
16:30
SANDY CONDITIONS IN DIRIYAH
The track in Diriyah is challenging at the best of times, but sandy conditions are making the drivers' task even more tricky so far.
'Grip is so slow, it's incredible,' said Pascal Wehrlein after FP1. 'It was driving like it was in the wet! Usually we analyse the data and we change the car according to the balance. But now we are so far off in terms of grip and I am sure that tomorrow it will change again, so I am not sure we will actually change a lot.'
16:25
CASSIDY LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUE WORK WITH NEW TEAM
Nick Cassidy made one of the biggest moves in the paddock for this season, going from Envision Racing to Jaguar TCS Racing. Things started off strongly with a podium finish at the previous race in Mexico and the Kiwi is looking forward to more of the same:
'I've got some steps to go to get everything together on my side of the garage and get me feeling to the level I was at the end of last year, but we have a light in the tunnel.
Asked about how he’s feeling at Jaguar, he said he is 'Loving it. It's just mega to have a team behind me. I haven't had that probably for three to four years. So it's a big difference. I feel really good and quite lucky.'
'To be honest, I think our car at this track should be quite good. I think [Jake Hughes and Jean-Eric Vergne] will be really strong as well. Mitch [Evans] was strong last year. I have historically struggled here a little bit, so not expecting big. Hopefully we can score a few points and hopefully have a good weekend.'
16:20
DE VRIES TARGETS POSITIVE RESULTS AT 'ONE OF FAVOURITE CIRCUITS'
Having won twice in Diriyah before, former Formula E champion Nyck de Vries is relishing the return to Saudi Arabia:
'I think I’ve mentioned this before, but Diriyah is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar.
'It’s very quick, and cool to drive in a Formula E car. Even though it’s not a real street circuit, it feels like one because it’s narrow, high-speed and the walls are everywhere. I’m looking forward to going back there, and continuing the season.'
16:15
'RISK VERSUS REWARD' IN DIRIYAH SAYS DENNIS
Reigning Formula E champion Jake Dennis will go into today's race with confidence, having finished runner-up twice here last year.
'Diriyah is always a special event.' he said. 'It's probably one of the drivers' favourite circuits. The circuit offers the opportunity for the driver to make a difference, particularly through the narrow and winding mountain section.
'You have to push the car to the limit which comes down to risk versus reward.
'Ultimately, we need to leave after Saturday (Round 3) with some good points on the board after a somewhat difficult race in Mexico City. I’m confident that both Norman [Nato] and I can achieve a top result and I’m super excited to get going and get the job done.'
16:10
WHAT HAPPENED IN QUALIFYING
Jean Eric Vergne clinched a record-equalling 16th career pole earlier today. This ties him up with Sebastien Buemi for the most pole positions in Formula E history.
The Frenchman beat Mitch Evans in the final.
Jean-Eric Vergne
Mitch Evans
Jake Dennis
Sergio Sette-Camara
Norman Nato
Pascal Wehrlein
Nick Cassidy
Maximilian Gunther
Sam Bird
Jake Hughes
16:05
HELLO AND WELCOME
Good afternoon and welcome to our live text coverage of the 2024 Diriyah E-Prix, the first race of a double header in Saudi Arabia. It's the second race of the season and a completely different challenge to the previous race in Mexico. Who will prevail in the dark?
16:00
Diriyah E-Prix Live - Vergne starts from pole as Saudi double header gets underway
Diriyah ePrix
THANK YOU AND GOODBYE
That's it for Formula E action for today - thank you for your company!
Don't forget that we're doing it all again tomorrow at the same time for the second part of the Diriyah double header. See you then!
CASSIDY POST-RACE
'I'm really lucky, I had a really fast car today. My team were amazing. I made a bit of a wrong choice in qualifying, but with how they support us in the race and qualifying was really mega, so this one is for them.'
VERGNE POST-RACE
'Usually, starting on pole you want to win the race and any other place is a disappointment. But today I'm very happy with the second place because the pace we had in the race was clearly not the one Jake [Dennis] showed with his car and well done to him, he's been flying during this race.
'So that's honestly the best I could have done today and looking back to last year where I was out of the points in both races here in Diriyah, I think we made a huge step forward and I'm very happy that the work is paying off. We're catching up; we're not quite there yet, but we're going to be there and, hopefully, some race we'll be able to beat them.
'But right now I'm very happy with the second place, to get the points in the championship, and to improve some things on the cars and maybe we'll fight for wins later on.'
DENNIS POST-RACE
'We had a difficult start to the season, turned it around, and came back and I got my biggest win in Formula E. What a race; incredible strategy and the last eight or nine laps I could really give it everything and create a 13-second lead. These days don't come very often and I get to share it with [my team] tonight and try to do it again tomorrow.
'There was a little bit of debate between me and the team about when we should take [the attack mode], but, ultimately, we got it right and that was the main thing. It's obviously so difficult to overtake here. Mitch [Evans] tried a do-or-die move and, thankfully, that got dust on his tyres and the next three or four laps he degraded quite quickly. That allowed me to get away and have an easy ride-in.
'But what an enjoyment, racing here in Saudi under the lights and just enjoying every lap - it was so much fun. The track really started to grip up in the end and we could push a couple of laps really hard.'
DENNIS WINS IN DIRIYAH
No problem for Dennis who brings P1 home with the fastest lap.
Behind, it's disaster for Evans who attacks Vergne for P2 but can't make it stick and instead falls down into fifth. Vergne maintains second ahead of Cassidy.
GAME ON FOR P2
Evans is pushing Vergne for P2 now. Feels like a question of when rather than if a move is coming.
NO TROUBLE FOR DENNIS
Staying out of trouble, Dennis is comfortable out front. He now also sets the fastest lap.
CASSIDY MAINTAINS FOURTH
That worked out nicely for Cassidy who grinds out a gap before heading into attack mode. He manages to stay ahead of Bird.
JAGUARS KEEP SWAPPING, BIRD FASTEST
Cassidy moves past Evans again. Right behind them. Bird is the fastest driver on track and en route to catching the Jaguars.
CASSIDY IN ATTACK MODE
Cassidy now triggers attack mode and falls back behind Evans.
JAGUAR STRATEGY
Jaguar ask Evans and Cassidy to swap places and they do. This, of course, means Cassidy is now third with Evans following in fourth.
Mind Cassidy still has eight minutes attack to use.
ADVANTAGE SETTE CAMARA
Sette Camara is currently running seventh but the three drivers ahead of him still need to take attack mode while the Brazilian doesn't. Fourth is definitely on the cards.
CASSIDY HITS THE WALL
Cassidy finds the wall as he heads for attack mode but is able to continue. It looks like there might be a bit of debris on the track.
CHASERS BUNCH UP
Evans is looking in trouble now as he has fallen right into the clutches of Nato, more than three seconds separating him from Vergne. Sette Camara and Bird are right behind as well.
DENNIS IN CONTROL FOR NOW
Dennis is still sitting pretty in the lead with Vergne not taking significant time out of him at the moment. He also has an energy advantage by a per cent or so.
VERGNE ON THE CHASE
Vergne is now seriously pushing to catch Dennis ahead. He is a couple of per cent in energy down on his opponent though which could become crucial later on.
VERGNE INTO SECOND
Evans is on the defensive line, but Vergne attacks fiercely and manages to go past.
BREATHING SPACE FOR DENNIS
Evans' failed overtake attempt has given Dennis a bit of breathing space. There's nothing separating Evans and Vergne behind.
EVANS GOES FOR P1, DENNIS PREVAILS
Evans is going for the lead with an attempted overtake on Dennis. However, he is in too deep and can't make the move stick. Instead, Evans falls into Vergne's clutches but can keep the Frenchman behind him.
STRAIGHT SHOOT-OUT BETWEEN TOP THREE
Of course, with the top three drivers having already used their two attack modes this is a straight racing shoot-out between them.
Evans is looking the fastest of the trio at the moment.
EVANS TAKES SECOND
Nicely done by Evans who attacks Vergne for second coming out of Turn 17. The Frenchman tries to return the favour on the cut-back going onto the next lap, but Evans stands firm.
TOP THREE PULL AWAY
Dennis, Vergne, and Evans are gradually stretching away from the rest of the field. Nato is just over two seconds behind in fourth.
ATTACK MODE FOR EVANS
Evans surrenders to Vergne's challenge and heads into attack mode. He falls behind the Frenchman.
DENNIS IN THE LEAD
That worked out beautifully for Dennis. He created a gap on track with Evans and Vergne challenging each other behind and as he heads into his second attack mode, he manages to stay in front.
VERGNE BACK IN ATTACK
Interesting tactic from Vergne who already heads back into attack mode. He falls into third behind Evans.
VERGNE BACK IN THE LEAD
So close for Dennis! The reigning champion stayed out and pushed hard to create a gap. Heading into attack mode now, he exits almost side to side with Vergne but the Frenchman just about prevails.
EVANS IN ATTACK MODE
Evans pushes hard trying to create a gap before also going into attack mode. He falls behind Vergne into third while Dennis now leads the race.
VERGNE STRAIGHT INTO ATTACK MODE
Vergne is told that he has the gap - presumably to Sette Camara - and heads straight into attack mode, dropping him down into third.
Evans inherits the race lead.
STANDINGS AFTER ONE LAP
With the opening lap in the books, here is how the drivers are lining up:
VERGNE HOLDS LEAD
Vergne gets away from pole and holds onto the position into Turn 1. Sette Camara has an excellent start from fourth and challenges Evans, but the Kiwi holds firm and Sette-Camara drops back behind Dennis.
Wehrlein meanwhile had a dreadful start from sixth, falling down into ninth.
FOUR MINUTES TO GO
The drivers are in their cars and we're mere minutes away from going racing.
EVANS LEADS SOCIAL MEDIA POLL
Less than 10 minutes to lights out and Mitch Evans is leading Formula E's 'who will win today's race?' poll:
OPENING PROCEDURE UNDERWAY
The grid is getting ready for the opening drone show and national anthem. Only moments until we're ready to go racing!
VERGNE ON HIS RECORD-EQUALLING POLE POSITION
Jean-Eric Vergne made a bit of history earlier today when he bagged a record-equalling 16th pole position.
'I don't know how it was to watch, but definitely from the inside I had to give it everything,' he commented. 'That was a tough one! I think Mitch Evans was very fast. There was nothing I could leave on the table during that lap. I'm glad that we can get back into the Duels - it's been quite a lot of races that I haven't been there.
'It feels good for the team for the hard work that the guys put in to improve and to get to where we are now. It's great, so now we have to do it all in the race.'
GRID REMINDER
With just over 20 minutes left to lights out, here's a reminder of how the drivers will be lining up today:
FRIJNS ON TRACK CONDITIONS
Speaking after free practice, Robin Frijns admitted that the sandy track conditions were very challenging:
'First couple of laps it was very sandy, no grip at all. It is easy to look from the outside and say that we’re slow, but it is difficult to stay out of the wall in the first place. But the track is gripping up all the time and you clearly see there is one line going, so if you put one wheel off that line you’re off. That is what makes it tricky here but that is also why I like it!'
SANDY CONDITIONS IN DIRIYAH
The track in Diriyah is challenging at the best of times, but sandy conditions are making the drivers' task even more tricky so far.
'Grip is so slow, it's incredible,' said Pascal Wehrlein after FP1. 'It was driving like it was in the wet! Usually we analyse the data and we change the car according to the balance. But now we are so far off in terms of grip and I am sure that tomorrow it will change again, so I am not sure we will actually change a lot.'
CASSIDY LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUE WORK WITH NEW TEAM
Nick Cassidy made one of the biggest moves in the paddock for this season, going from Envision Racing to Jaguar TCS Racing. Things started off strongly with a podium finish at the previous race in Mexico and the Kiwi is looking forward to more of the same:
'I've got some steps to go to get everything together on my side of the garage and get me feeling to the level I was at the end of last year, but we have a light in the tunnel.
Asked about how he’s feeling at Jaguar, he said he is 'Loving it. It's just mega to have a team behind me. I haven't had that probably for three to four years. So it's a big difference. I feel really good and quite lucky.'
'To be honest, I think our car at this track should be quite good. I think [Jake Hughes and Jean-Eric Vergne] will be really strong as well. Mitch [Evans] was strong last year. I have historically struggled here a little bit, so not expecting big. Hopefully we can score a few points and hopefully have a good weekend.'
DE VRIES TARGETS POSITIVE RESULTS AT 'ONE OF FAVOURITE CIRCUITS'
Having won twice in Diriyah before, former Formula E champion Nyck de Vries is relishing the return to Saudi Arabia:
'I think I’ve mentioned this before, but Diriyah is one of my favourite tracks on the calendar.
'It’s very quick, and cool to drive in a Formula E car. Even though it’s not a real street circuit, it feels like one because it’s narrow, high-speed and the walls are everywhere. I’m looking forward to going back there, and continuing the season.'
'RISK VERSUS REWARD' IN DIRIYAH SAYS DENNIS
Reigning Formula E champion Jake Dennis will go into today's race with confidence, having finished runner-up twice here last year.
'Diriyah is always a special event.' he said. 'It's probably one of the drivers' favourite circuits. The circuit offers the opportunity for the driver to make a difference, particularly through the narrow and winding mountain section.
'You have to push the car to the limit which comes down to risk versus reward.
'Ultimately, we need to leave after Saturday (Round 3) with some good points on the board after a somewhat difficult race in Mexico City. I’m confident that both Norman [Nato] and I can achieve a top result and I’m super excited to get going and get the job done.'
WHAT HAPPENED IN QUALIFYING
Jean Eric Vergne clinched a record-equalling 16th career pole earlier today. This ties him up with Sebastien Buemi for the most pole positions in Formula E history.
The Frenchman beat Mitch Evans in the final.
HELLO AND WELCOME
Good afternoon and welcome to our live text coverage of the 2024 Diriyah E-Prix, the first race of a double header in Saudi Arabia. It's the second race of the season and a completely different challenge to the previous race in Mexico. Who will prevail in the dark?
Diriyah E-Prix Live - Vergne starts from pole as Saudi double header gets underway