Riyadh, Saudi Arabia- – Reigning champion Nyck de Vries took the first chequered flag of Season 8 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship after an enthralling Diriyah E-Prix in Saudi Arabia.
The Mercedes-EQ driver finished on top of the podium ahead of teammate Stoffel Vandoorne and Jake Dennis (Avalanche Andretti) under the lights of Diriyah, and in front of an energetic local crowd.
De Vries had sealed victory in Formula E here last year and took advantage of an uncharacteristic Vandoorne slip-up to double up, with the Belgian missing his second jump through the ATTACK MODE activation loop. The pair were dominant from there, winding up eight seconds clear of Dennis.
Jaguar TCS Racing’s Sam Bird crossed the line a fighting fourth, with Andre Lotterer (Porsche) looking strong early on – particularly in a fiesty duel with Dennis – but eventually slipped down from a provisional podium position as his usable energy became ever more marginal as the race drew on.
Lucas di Grassi finished fifth on debut for ROKiT Venturi Racing just ahead of teammate Edoardo Mortara and Nick Cassidy – the Envision Racing man also taking the point for TAG Heuer Fastest Lap.
DS TECHEETAH’s Jean-Eric Vergne followed in eighth, pipping rookie Oliver Askew, who’ll be happy with his first effort in the series and points on the board — no mean feat. Jaguar’s Mitch Evans rounded out the points-paying positions.
De Vries heads the way in the Drivers’ World Championship from Vandoorne, with Mercedes-EQ heading the Teams’ running.
The race is part of a double header in Diriyah, the only night races of the Formula E season, with the second race to be held same time tomorrow, at the spectacular circuit which falls within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.