Formula E in Jakarta: Maserati sets the tone on opening day

While Formula 1 prepares for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, Formula E is in Indonesia for the Jakarta ePrix. As many as two races will be held on the street circuit in the metropolis, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. On Friday, the drivers already explored the track during a free practice session. In it, Maserati set the tone.

Maximilian Günther last lap was already no less than 0.8 seconds faster than the fastest time driven in the previous year. The German's lap took 1.09.786. In doing so, he was almost two tenths faster than teammate Edoardo Mortara. Reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne was the first non-Maserati in the standings, although he too drives a Stellantis engine car.

Positive day for Wehrlein

It was a positive day for Pascal Wehrlein, after a lot of misery during the last races. The German seemed carefree on his way to his first title in the electric class this year, but recently things started to fall apart. After a collision during the ePrix in Cape Town (South Africa), the former F1 driver even had to go to hospital. Moreover, since the last race in Monaco, Wehrlein has lost his leading position in the championship to Nick Cassidy. In Jakarta, he want revanche, and a fifth-place finish in free practice is hopeful.

Nick Cassidy has some work to do before Saturday's qualifying and first race. The New Zealander started in 17th place. Roberto Merhi, making his debut with Mahindra this weekend, came to 21st position. In doing so, he did one place better than Robin Frijns, who was the slowest man of the day in his ABT CUPRA.