Oliver Rowland topped the opening practice session of the Berlin E-Prix as Formula E’s six-race season showdown commences in the German capital.
Racing on a reverse layout of the Tempelhof Airport Circuit, the Nissan e.dams driver set a best time of a 1:07.832s to head Sam Bird by 0.236s who was second fastest for Envision Virgin Racing.
The 45-minute session was cut short by a late red flag caused by James Calado who, after taking a precautionary powertrain change at the start of FP1 following a software issue, ground to a halt on his out lap.
Reigning Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne emerged as the third fastest driver for DS Techeetah while rookie Nico Muller delivered GEOX Dragon with an impressive fourth. Jerome d’Ambrosio completed the top five for Mahindra.
Alexander Sims was the highest-placed true championship contender as the third-placed driver in the Drivers’ Standings cemented sixth for BMW, edging ROKiT Venturi Racing’s Edoardo Mortara by 0.135s who was seventh.
Nyck de Vries was the highest placed Mercedes EQ driver after setting the eighth-fastest time while Robin Frijns was ninth in the second Virgin car with both Dutch racers undergoing battery changes ahead of the sixth race of the season.
Sebastien Buemi completed the top 10 in the second Nissan IM02.
