Dutchman gets off to a strong start in Formula E

The Formula E season has finally begun. Today the free practice session was on the programme. In Saudi Arabia, all 24 drivers drove the first training of the year. Nyck de Vries had a good start.

On the Riyadh Street Circuit, De Vries set a first time. In the final lap, he was able to drive at full speed and thus took the fastest time. He was the only one to stay under 1 minute and 9 seconds. His Mercedes team mate, Stoffel Vandoorne, finished twelfth.

Portuguese António Félix Da Costa, last year's Formula E winner, finished eighth. Da Costa also had little success in Saudi Arabia last year. The best Briton was Oliver Rowland. He finished in fifth position.

Saudi Arabia hosts two races this year. The first will take place on Friday while the second will be held on Saturday. Last season, the pandemic meant that only part of the race could be run. De Vries finished eleventh while Frijns found himself in twelfth place.