That's it for the first-ever Tokyo E-Prix - thank you for your company this morning.
The series returns in two weeks from now for a double header in Misano - see you then!
07:22
ROWLAND POST-RACE
'I mean, it's good; if someone had offered me pole and second, of course I'd have snapped their hand off, but yeah, I led the whole race, but it was tricky after the safety car. I dropped the target so much that I just couldn't hang on any more and I knew I had to relinquish. When I was behind, the car was mega, it's just a bit of strategy in Formula E and we've not been in the right place at the right time.
'I don't think we could have asked for much more [at Nissan's home race]. The big bosses will be pretty happy with what they have seen. I'm just a little bit disappointed I didn't get the win, but I have to be grateful - I've got an amazing car, three podiums in a row. If you'd offered me that at the start of the season, I'd have definitely took it.'
07:17
GUENTHER POST-RACE
'Amazing, just an incredible weekend. I think we performed so well, we were in the top three in every session, almost got the pole earlier on, and now this race win, it feels so special. Just an amazing job by everybody, I feel great in the car, we've made some really good steps in the last few weeks. I think in Sao Paulo everyone could see that we have really good pace and today we converted it into a win. It's amazing, I'm really proud of this and now we enjoy the moment.
'It was a lot of energy management today. We did everything we had to do, I think we covered ourselves well. It was super super tight on the last lap even, and it was perfectly executed; the strategy, the moves, everything, so it was a good run today.'
35/35
GUENTHER WINS IN TOKYO
Rowland tries everything, but Guenther stands firm and takes the win for Maserati.
Dennis brings home the remaining podium position.
35/35
ROWLAND ON THE ATTACK
Going onto the final lap, Rowland is attacking Guenther for the lead. So far, he can't make a move stick.
33/35
DA COSTA ATTACKS, LOSES OUT
Da Costa attacks Rowland round the outside through Turn 15 but can't make it stick. Instead, he loses momentum and falls into fourth.
33/35
CASSIDY INTO THE POINTS
After a quiet race so far, Cassidy has finally broken into the top 10 and looks set to salvage some points.
32/35
CONTACT AGAIN THROUGH THE CHICANE
Once more, the tight chicane proves dangerous, Frijns this time the victim with damage to his front wing after contact.
32/35
GAME ON FOR SECOND
Guenther has the slightest bit of breathing space in the lead, but there's nothing separating Rowland and Da Costa in second and third.
31/35
TWO LAPS ADDED
Two laps are added to the race to compensate for the safety car.
30/33
ATTACK MORTARA
Mortara finally deploys his second attack mode and engages in a bit of a fight with Dennis when rejoining the field. The Andretti prevails.
29/33
GUENTHER IN CONTROL
Things are looking very nice indeed for Guenther whose energy resources should have him in a place to be able to manage the lead to the end.
28/33
GUENTHER IN ATTACK, KEEPS LEAD
Having gained an advantage, Guenther deploys his second attack mode and rejoins the field still in the lead. This has worked out beautifully for him.
27/33
MORE THAN A SECOND AT THE FRONT
Guenther succeeds in trying to increase his advantage at the front with more than a second separating him from Rowland.
26/33
GUENTHER SEARCHES GAP
Guenther pulls the pin and tries to stretch out his gap at the front. Remember he has an attack mode left to deploy.
25/33
SWAP AT THE FRONT
Rowland gives up the lead to Guenther, likely to save energy for now with the perspective of regaining the position later on.
24/33
TRICKY FOR GUENTHER, MORTARA
Out of the top 5, Guenther and Mortara are the only ones with attack mode left. The pace is heating up and the field is bunching up - they are facing a tough challenge to take their attacks and not lose too much.
23/33
SECOND ATTACK DENNIS
Nicely done by Andretti as Nato holds up the field, allowing Dennis to deploy his second attack mode and hold on to fifth.
23/33
GREEN FLAG
The safety car retires and we're racing again.
22/33
ENERGY UPDATE
Guenther is in an excellent position energy-wise on 40 per cent left compared to Rowland's 38 and Mortara's 39.
21/33
ORDER UNDER SAFETY CAR
With the safety car still out, here's a recap of the current running order:
Rowland
Guenther
Mortara
Da Costa
Dennis
Nato
Frijns
Wehrlein
Sette Camara
20/33
SAFETY CAR OUT
The safety car is out on track in response to debris scattered on the track in the Evans incident.
19/33
ATTACK FOR DENNIS
Dennis finally deploys his first attack mode and with his teammate Nato now right behind him on track, he gets some assistance to be able to rejoin the pack in fifth.
19/33
MULTIPLE OVERTAKES NEAR THE FRONT
It's getting tight into the opening chicane and a number of drivers take the chance to barge through. Nato is up into sixth out of nowhere with Frijns into seventh. Wehrlein is the big losers, suffering front wing damage and dropping down the order into eighth.
18/33
RACE OVER FOR EVANS
Evans finds the wall after contact with Sette Camara and that's the race over for him with heavy damage to his Jaguar.
17/33
DA COSTA INTO FOURTH
Da Costa sends it down the inside of Dennis and makes it stick to take fourth.
16/33
ATTACK MODE OVERVIEW
With the current order, here is what the current attack mode situation looks like:
Rowland - None left
Guenther - One left
Mortara - One left
Dennis - Two left
Da Costa - None left
15/33
GUENTHER INTO SECOND
Guenther claims Mortara for second and shadows Rowland in the lead.
14/33
ATTACK GUENTHER
Guenther now deploys his first attack mode and falls behind Mortara into third. Rowland is back in the lead and has used up all of his attack modes.
13/33
SECOND ATTACK FOR ROWLAND
Rowland deploys his second attack mode and this time loses a position, falling behind Guenther. Of course, Guenther still has two attack modes left to go.
12/33
GUENTHER CLOSES UP
Guenther is all over the rear of Rowland's Nissan with a slight gap to Mortara in third.
11/33
ATTACK MODES!
A bunch of drivers now head for an attack mode, including Rowland who has enough of a gap to rejoin the field still in the lead.
Guenther inherits second with Mortara out in attack and back in third.
10/33
BREATHING SPACE FOR ROWLAND
Rowland has just over a second of an advantage at the front of the field. That's the biggest gap we have seen so far this race.
9/33
ATTACK MODE WEHRLEIN
Wehrlein is first to go wide for an attack mode from fifth and it works out beautifully for him as his team mate Da Costa in sixth holds up the field and allows Wehrlein to keep his position as he rejoins.
8/33
NO ATTACK STILL
Everyone down to 16th still hasn't deployed an attack mode. With the field so bunched up, the drivers look inclined to wait it out for now and hope for some clear air later on.
6/33
HUGHES IN THE WALL
It's race over for McLaren's Hughes who finds the wall Turn 15 as a result of contact with Di Grassi. The double waved yellow flag is out.
6/33
STILL NO ATTACK UP FRONT
Curiously, none of the front runners has triggered an attack mode yet still.
5/33
FIELD TIGHT TOGETHER
There is some contact throughout the field through the tight chicanes. Nothing serious so far though.
4/33
WEHRLEIN V DENNIS
Wehrlein is attacking Dennis for fourth through the opening chicanes, but the defending champion holds firm.
3/33
NO ATTACK MODE YET UP FRONT
No attack modes at the front of the field yet.
Wehrlein is the driver on the move early on though as he claims Sette Camara on track and goes into fifth.
2/33
ORDER AFTER OPENING LAP
With a lap gone, here is how the field is lining up:
Rowland
Mortara
Guenther
Dennis
Sette Camara
Wehrlein
Da Costa
Frijns
Nato
1/33
ROWLAND DEFENDS FROM POLE
Dream start from Rowland who fights off Mortara who is going for it into Turn 1. Guenther falls into third while Dennis makes up a position into fourth.
06:03
ONE MINUTE TO GO
Just a minute to go to lights out. The sun is shining, the fans are out in force, it should be a great race!
06:00
100TH RACE FOR JAGUAR
Jaguar TCS Racing are celebrating their 100th Formula E race in Tokyo, having joined the series in its third season. Mitch Evans has been with the British team for the whole century of starts: 'I was just 22 years old when I first raced for Jaguar TCS Racing, it’s crazy how fast time goes,' he said. 'During our time together, we have been on a huge journey of both learning and growth, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved. Everyone in the team has helped me to develop both on and off the track, and I’m truly grateful for their ongoing support.' Evans collected a total of 10 wins, 26 podiums, and six pole positions over the course of his career with Jaguar.
'We're super pumped to get out to Japan,' he continued. 'It's my first time racing out there. I have been to Tokyo before and love the city. I've actually been asked to watch Nick Cassidy before in Super GT and Japanese fans were really passionate. I'm looking forward to getting our machines out there. And hopefully the event is great, and we can put on a show for them.'
Team mate Nick Cassidy only joined Jaguar this season, but has already collected three podiums, including one win, and is currently leading the championship: 'Although I have only competed for Jaguar TCS Racing in four of its 100-race journey, during this time I’ve been able to witness the great progress made over the last eight seasons and have been able to add to our points, podiums and wins tally. I’m really proud to be a part of making history with the team and am looking forward to more races together.'
After a DNF last time out in Sao Paulo, Tokyo is a chance to bounce back for Cassidy at the place his career took off: 'Tokyo is such an exciting race for me. I spent a large period of my racing career in Japan, and I’m ready to return with fantastic memories. The Japanese fans are very passionate about their motorsport, so I’m hoping I can give them something to cheer about.'
05:57
HOME HONOURS FOR NISSAN
The Japanese manufacturer will have anticipated this E-Prix even more than the rest of the paddock and will be keen to make the home advantage count with their drivers Oliver Rowland and Sacha Fenestraz.
Rowland has been enjoying a positive season so far with back-to-back podium finishes in Diriyah and last time out in Sao Paulo. 'I'm super excited to be racing in Japan,' the Yorkshireman said. 'I went there a few times in karting, and from what we have experienced at the Nismo Festival, the reception we receive from the fans is second to none, so I'm really looking forward to getting on track.
'It's positive pressure, when you have this type of support you have extra energy to focus on the challenge, we need to manage that in a balanced way, not get too excited but also not too nervous. It's going to be a huge race for the team and I can't wait to get out there and experience the atmosphere!'
Fenestraz, now into his second season in Formula E, added: 'I did a big part of my career in Japan, so going back there will be awesome and I cannot wait for the race. I know how amazing and crazy the Japanese fans are, so that will make it even more special.
'It's the first time the team and Formula E are going to Japan, so we are looking forward to seeing all the amazing support in the grandstands. It will be almost like a home race for me, the track looks really interesting so I'm excited to go racing.'
05:52
BRAND NEW 'INCREDIBLE' CIRCUIT
The drivers are in for a special challenge today, having never raced on the Tokyo circuit before. It's a challenging layout that includes 20 turns total, three notable straights, technical sequences of tight corners, and high-speed combinations over the 2.582km.
'I'm buzzing,' said reigning world champion Jake Dennis. 'I can’t wait to be honest, it’s going to be an incredible circuit. I have driven it on the simulator and it’s tight, twisty and bumpy. The third to last corner is like a blind left over a jump and then into a downhill chicane!
'It will be fun to watch on TV, I don’t know about the driver's spines! It is going to be challenging with the really fast tight corners. It’s a little bit like Rome really.'
05:48
WHAT HAPPENED IN QUALIFYING
Oliver Rowland gave Nissan's home fans something to cheer about as he secured pole position at the Tokyo E-Prix. He beat Maximilian Guenther by just 0.021s in the final.
Championship leader Nick Cassidy will start from way down the grid in 19th after having his lap time deleted for a technical infraction.
Oliver Rowland
Maximilian Guenther
Edoardo Mortara
Sergio Sette Camara
Jake Dennis
Mitch Evans
Pascal Wehrlein
Nico Muller
Antonio Felix Da Costa
05:45
HELLO AND WELCOME
Good morning and welcome to our live text coverage of the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix 2024. The Formula E paddock takes to the tarmac in the Japanese capital for the first time ever in one of the most highly-anticipated motorsport events of the year.
It's been an ideal day so far for Nissan at their home E-Prix with Oliver Rowland securing pole position for the race. They'll be keen to convert this into the race and make it five winners in five E-Prix this year, but a number of drivers will want to have a say in that. Championship leader Nick Cassidy meanwhile has his work cut out for him from 19th on the grid after a technical infraction in qualifying.
Who will become the first-ever Formula E Tokyo E-Prix winner? We're about to find out!
05:45
Tokyo E-Prix Live - Pole position for Oliver Rowland and home team Nissan at inaugural Tokyo E-Prix
Tokyo ePrix
BYE FOR NOW!
That's it for the first-ever Tokyo E-Prix - thank you for your company this morning.
The series returns in two weeks from now for a double header in Misano - see you then!
ROWLAND POST-RACE
'I mean, it's good; if someone had offered me pole and second, of course I'd have snapped their hand off, but yeah, I led the whole race, but it was tricky after the safety car. I dropped the target so much that I just couldn't hang on any more and I knew I had to relinquish. When I was behind, the car was mega, it's just a bit of strategy in Formula E and we've not been in the right place at the right time.
'I don't think we could have asked for much more [at Nissan's home race]. The big bosses will be pretty happy with what they have seen. I'm just a little bit disappointed I didn't get the win, but I have to be grateful - I've got an amazing car, three podiums in a row. If you'd offered me that at the start of the season, I'd have definitely took it.'
GUENTHER POST-RACE
'Amazing, just an incredible weekend. I think we performed so well, we were in the top three in every session, almost got the pole earlier on, and now this race win, it feels so special. Just an amazing job by everybody, I feel great in the car, we've made some really good steps in the last few weeks. I think in Sao Paulo everyone could see that we have really good pace and today we converted it into a win. It's amazing, I'm really proud of this and now we enjoy the moment.
'It was a lot of energy management today. We did everything we had to do, I think we covered ourselves well. It was super super tight on the last lap even, and it was perfectly executed; the strategy, the moves, everything, so it was a good run today.'
GUENTHER WINS IN TOKYO
Rowland tries everything, but Guenther stands firm and takes the win for Maserati.
Dennis brings home the remaining podium position.
ROWLAND ON THE ATTACK
Going onto the final lap, Rowland is attacking Guenther for the lead. So far, he can't make a move stick.
DA COSTA ATTACKS, LOSES OUT
Da Costa attacks Rowland round the outside through Turn 15 but can't make it stick. Instead, he loses momentum and falls into fourth.
CASSIDY INTO THE POINTS
After a quiet race so far, Cassidy has finally broken into the top 10 and looks set to salvage some points.
CONTACT AGAIN THROUGH THE CHICANE
Once more, the tight chicane proves dangerous, Frijns this time the victim with damage to his front wing after contact.
GAME ON FOR SECOND
Guenther has the slightest bit of breathing space in the lead, but there's nothing separating Rowland and Da Costa in second and third.
TWO LAPS ADDED
Two laps are added to the race to compensate for the safety car.
ATTACK MORTARA
Mortara finally deploys his second attack mode and engages in a bit of a fight with Dennis when rejoining the field. The Andretti prevails.
GUENTHER IN CONTROL
Things are looking very nice indeed for Guenther whose energy resources should have him in a place to be able to manage the lead to the end.
GUENTHER IN ATTACK, KEEPS LEAD
Having gained an advantage, Guenther deploys his second attack mode and rejoins the field still in the lead. This has worked out beautifully for him.
MORE THAN A SECOND AT THE FRONT
Guenther succeeds in trying to increase his advantage at the front with more than a second separating him from Rowland.
GUENTHER SEARCHES GAP
Guenther pulls the pin and tries to stretch out his gap at the front. Remember he has an attack mode left to deploy.
SWAP AT THE FRONT
Rowland gives up the lead to Guenther, likely to save energy for now with the perspective of regaining the position later on.
TRICKY FOR GUENTHER, MORTARA
Out of the top 5, Guenther and Mortara are the only ones with attack mode left. The pace is heating up and the field is bunching up - they are facing a tough challenge to take their attacks and not lose too much.
SECOND ATTACK DENNIS
Nicely done by Andretti as Nato holds up the field, allowing Dennis to deploy his second attack mode and hold on to fifth.
GREEN FLAG
The safety car retires and we're racing again.
ENERGY UPDATE
Guenther is in an excellent position energy-wise on 40 per cent left compared to Rowland's 38 and Mortara's 39.
ORDER UNDER SAFETY CAR
With the safety car still out, here's a recap of the current running order:
SAFETY CAR OUT
The safety car is out on track in response to debris scattered on the track in the Evans incident.
ATTACK FOR DENNIS
Dennis finally deploys his first attack mode and with his teammate Nato now right behind him on track, he gets some assistance to be able to rejoin the pack in fifth.
MULTIPLE OVERTAKES NEAR THE FRONT
It's getting tight into the opening chicane and a number of drivers take the chance to barge through. Nato is up into sixth out of nowhere with Frijns into seventh. Wehrlein is the big losers, suffering front wing damage and dropping down the order into eighth.
RACE OVER FOR EVANS
Evans finds the wall after contact with Sette Camara and that's the race over for him with heavy damage to his Jaguar.
DA COSTA INTO FOURTH
Da Costa sends it down the inside of Dennis and makes it stick to take fourth.
ATTACK MODE OVERVIEW
With the current order, here is what the current attack mode situation looks like:
GUENTHER INTO SECOND
Guenther claims Mortara for second and shadows Rowland in the lead.
ATTACK GUENTHER
Guenther now deploys his first attack mode and falls behind Mortara into third. Rowland is back in the lead and has used up all of his attack modes.
SECOND ATTACK FOR ROWLAND
Rowland deploys his second attack mode and this time loses a position, falling behind Guenther. Of course, Guenther still has two attack modes left to go.
GUENTHER CLOSES UP
Guenther is all over the rear of Rowland's Nissan with a slight gap to Mortara in third.
ATTACK MODES!
A bunch of drivers now head for an attack mode, including Rowland who has enough of a gap to rejoin the field still in the lead.
Guenther inherits second with Mortara out in attack and back in third.
BREATHING SPACE FOR ROWLAND
Rowland has just over a second of an advantage at the front of the field. That's the biggest gap we have seen so far this race.
ATTACK MODE WEHRLEIN
Wehrlein is first to go wide for an attack mode from fifth and it works out beautifully for him as his team mate Da Costa in sixth holds up the field and allows Wehrlein to keep his position as he rejoins.
NO ATTACK STILL
Everyone down to 16th still hasn't deployed an attack mode. With the field so bunched up, the drivers look inclined to wait it out for now and hope for some clear air later on.
HUGHES IN THE WALL
It's race over for McLaren's Hughes who finds the wall Turn 15 as a result of contact with Di Grassi. The double waved yellow flag is out.
STILL NO ATTACK UP FRONT
Curiously, none of the front runners has triggered an attack mode yet still.
FIELD TIGHT TOGETHER
There is some contact throughout the field through the tight chicanes. Nothing serious so far though.
WEHRLEIN V DENNIS
Wehrlein is attacking Dennis for fourth through the opening chicanes, but the defending champion holds firm.
NO ATTACK MODE YET UP FRONT
No attack modes at the front of the field yet.
Wehrlein is the driver on the move early on though as he claims Sette Camara on track and goes into fifth.
ORDER AFTER OPENING LAP
With a lap gone, here is how the field is lining up:
ROWLAND DEFENDS FROM POLE
Dream start from Rowland who fights off Mortara who is going for it into Turn 1. Guenther falls into third while Dennis makes up a position into fourth.
ONE MINUTE TO GO
Just a minute to go to lights out. The sun is shining, the fans are out in force, it should be a great race!
100TH RACE FOR JAGUAR
Jaguar TCS Racing are celebrating their 100th Formula E race in Tokyo, having joined the series in its third season. Mitch Evans has been with the British team for the whole century of starts: 'I was just 22 years old when I first raced for Jaguar TCS Racing, it’s crazy how fast time goes,' he said. 'During our time together, we have been on a huge journey of both learning and growth, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved. Everyone in the team has helped me to develop both on and off the track, and I’m truly grateful for their ongoing support.' Evans collected a total of 10 wins, 26 podiums, and six pole positions over the course of his career with Jaguar.
'We're super pumped to get out to Japan,' he continued. 'It's my first time racing out there. I have been to Tokyo before and love the city. I've actually been asked to watch Nick Cassidy before in Super GT and Japanese fans were really passionate. I'm looking forward to getting our machines out there. And hopefully the event is great, and we can put on a show for them.'
Team mate Nick Cassidy only joined Jaguar this season, but has already collected three podiums, including one win, and is currently leading the championship: 'Although I have only competed for Jaguar TCS Racing in four of its 100-race journey, during this time I’ve been able to witness the great progress made over the last eight seasons and have been able to add to our points, podiums and wins tally. I’m really proud to be a part of making history with the team and am looking forward to more races together.'
After a DNF last time out in Sao Paulo, Tokyo is a chance to bounce back for Cassidy at the place his career took off: 'Tokyo is such an exciting race for me. I spent a large period of my racing career in Japan, and I’m ready to return with fantastic memories. The Japanese fans are very passionate about their motorsport, so I’m hoping I can give them something to cheer about.'
HOME HONOURS FOR NISSAN
The Japanese manufacturer will have anticipated this E-Prix even more than the rest of the paddock and will be keen to make the home advantage count with their drivers Oliver Rowland and Sacha Fenestraz.
Rowland has been enjoying a positive season so far with back-to-back podium finishes in Diriyah and last time out in Sao Paulo. 'I'm super excited to be racing in Japan,' the Yorkshireman said. 'I went there a few times in karting, and from what we have experienced at the Nismo Festival, the reception we receive from the fans is second to none, so I'm really looking forward to getting on track.
'It's positive pressure, when you have this type of support you have extra energy to focus on the challenge, we need to manage that in a balanced way, not get too excited but also not too nervous. It's going to be a huge race for the team and I can't wait to get out there and experience the atmosphere!'
Fenestraz, now into his second season in Formula E, added: 'I did a big part of my career in Japan, so going back there will be awesome and I cannot wait for the race. I know how amazing and crazy the Japanese fans are, so that will make it even more special.
'It's the first time the team and Formula E are going to Japan, so we are looking forward to seeing all the amazing support in the grandstands. It will be almost like a home race for me, the track looks really interesting so I'm excited to go racing.'
BRAND NEW 'INCREDIBLE' CIRCUIT
The drivers are in for a special challenge today, having never raced on the Tokyo circuit before. It's a challenging layout that includes 20 turns total, three notable straights, technical sequences of tight corners, and high-speed combinations over the 2.582km.
'I'm buzzing,' said reigning world champion Jake Dennis. 'I can’t wait to be honest, it’s going to be an incredible circuit. I have driven it on the simulator and it’s tight, twisty and bumpy. The third to last corner is like a blind left over a jump and then into a downhill chicane!
'It will be fun to watch on TV, I don’t know about the driver's spines! It is going to be challenging with the really fast tight corners. It’s a little bit like Rome really.'
WHAT HAPPENED IN QUALIFYING
Oliver Rowland gave Nissan's home fans something to cheer about as he secured pole position at the Tokyo E-Prix. He beat Maximilian Guenther by just 0.021s in the final.
Championship leader Nick Cassidy will start from way down the grid in 19th after having his lap time deleted for a technical infraction.
HELLO AND WELCOME
Good morning and welcome to our live text coverage of the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix 2024. The Formula E paddock takes to the tarmac in the Japanese capital for the first time ever in one of the most highly-anticipated motorsport events of the year.
It's been an ideal day so far for Nissan at their home E-Prix with Oliver Rowland securing pole position for the race. They'll be keen to convert this into the race and make it five winners in five E-Prix this year, but a number of drivers will want to have a say in that. Championship leader Nick Cassidy meanwhile has his work cut out for him from 19th on the grid after a technical infraction in qualifying.
Who will become the first-ever Formula E Tokyo E-Prix winner? We're about to find out!
Tokyo E-Prix Live - Pole position for Oliver Rowland and home team Nissan at inaugural Tokyo E-Prix