Update: Fenestraz's pole taken away once more, Hughes will start from P1
General
- GPblog.com
Chaos in Formula E, as the electric class gives a taste of what Formula 1 will face in a few weeks' time in Monaco. Unlike in Formula 1, it is easier for narrower FE cars to overtake on the streets through the principality, as demonstrated last season. Sacha Fenestraz's (Nissan) surprising pole put himself in a great position for the ePrix later on Saturday, but it was later taken away and given back a few minutes later, then it was decided that Jake Hughes will start from P1.
Like every race, the drivers tried to get into the top four of their group during the first part of qualifying to advance to the quarter-finals. A number of household names did not manage to join the last eight: championship leader Pascal Wehrlein did not succeed, reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne did not, neither did two-time title holder Jean-Éric Vergne nor man in form Nick Cassidy. Sam Bird did not even exceed the tenth time in his group, with only Robin Frijns being slower in the dramatic ABT CUPRA.
Remarkable names
There were surprising names among the last eight, with the two men from Nissan standing out in particular. Sacha Fernandez and Norman Nato even both managed to reach the semi-finals (by eliminating Dan Ticktum and Mitch Evans respectively). In the battle between them, the Fernandez was the best Nissan, ensuring the Frenchman a place on the front row.
Sergio Sette Camara also seemed to have qualified for the last four. That would be a boost for the Brazilian in a lacklustre season, but his fast lap from the quarter-finals was taken away from him. Indeed, Sette Camara had misinterpreted the starting procedure for his fast lap, allowing as yet Maximillian Günther to advance to the semi-finals. In this semi-final, Jake Hughes (McLaren, also equipped with a Nissan power unit) was too strong for Günther.
In the final, Hughes and Fenestraz were almost equal on the road. On entering the chicane, Hughes braked and shot straight ahead. His time was then taken away, leaving Fernandez to automatically take pole. It was the second pole this season for the Frenchman with Argentinian roots. But later, it was once again given back to Jake Hughes
Update: Decision on Pole Position
First, Fenestraz was under investigation, and the board has found that there was a technical infrigment on his car, as he exceeded the power usage limit. His lap time was deleted.
However, this was not the end of this matter. Jake Hughes' duel final lap time was also deleted, because he did not respect the track limits. As a result, Fenestraz claimed pole position for the second time today, as he was faster in the semi-finals.
Eventually, the results were changed once again, and Hughes was decided to start from P1.