Jake Dennis Sets the Pace in Jeddah Practice as Formula E Season Heats Up
Jake Dennis of Andretti Formula E topped the timesheets in the final free practice session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, providing a much-needed boost after a challenging opening race. The session, held under warm conditions, sets the stage for qualifying later today and the second round of the Jeddah E-Prix doubleheader. This performance is particularly encouraging for the Season 9 champion and his American team.
Top Five Finishers Reflect Competitive Field
The top five drivers in the practice session showcased the intense competition within the Formula E championship. Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) secured second place, building on his podium finish in yesterday’s race. Dan Ticktum of CUPRA KIRO followed in third, with Edoardo Mortara (Mahindra Racing) and Maximilian Guenther (DS PENSKE) rounding out the top five.
Challenges for Nyck de Vries
Mahindra Racing faced early setbacks with Nyck de Vries experiencing issues getting his car out of the garage at the start of the session. De Vries, already facing a 60-place grid penalty for component changes – specifically the MCU and exceeding the allowed number of MGUs – ultimately finished 15th. His teammate, Edoardo Mortara, however, demonstrated strong pace after securing pole position in the previous race.
Traffic and Close Calls
The session wasn’t without its drama. Antonio Felix da Costa encountered traffic during a quick lap, narrowly avoiding contact with Jean-Eric Vergne of Citroën Racing, who was unhurried on the racing line. These incidents highlight the challenges of navigating the tight Jeddah circuit.
Looking Ahead: Qualifying and Race Schedule
Qualifying is scheduled for 15:40 local time today, followed by the race at 20:05 local time. The Jeddah E-Prix doubleheader marks the first event featuring the PIT BOOST feature this season, adding a fresh strategic layer to the racing.
Formula E’s EVO Sessions Return
Beyond the on-track action, Formula E is continuing to innovate with the return of EVO Sessions. These sessions feature the world’s biggest creators racing the GEN3 Evo car, streaming live on YouTube on February 15th.
Jeddah E-Prix: A Track with a Growing Legacy
Saudi Arabia has been a consistent fixture on the Formula E calendar since Season 5, with the Jeddah Corniche Circuit becoming the new home for the E-Prix last season. Andretti Formula E boasts a strong record in Saudi Arabia, having secured more wins (3), podiums (6), and front-row starts (4) than any other team.
Andretti’s Saudi Arabian Success
Jake Dennis has particularly excelled in Saudi Arabia, claiming all three of Andretti’s Qualifying Duel wins and scoring 99 Championship points across Diriyah and Jeddah. He is the only driver in the all-electric series to claim both Fastest Laps during a doubleheader weekend in the Kingdom.
FAQ
Q: What is PIT BOOST?
A: PIT BOOST is a new feature for the 2026 season that allows drivers to gain an extra burst of power during the race.
Q: Where can I watch the Jeddah E-Prix?
A: Check the Formula E website for broadcaster listings in your region.
Q: What is EVO Sessions?
A: EVO Sessions feature creators racing the GEN3 Evo car, streamed live on YouTube.
Q: How many laps will be in each race?
A: Round 4 will consist of 31 laps, while Round 5 will be 30 laps.
Did you recognize? Jake Dennis has scored 99 Championship points racing in Saudi Arabia.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news and results from the Jeddah E-Prix by visiting the official Formula E Race Centre.
