In an exhilarating finish to the second Jakarta E-Prix, Maximilian Guenther stormed ahead to claim Maserati’s first-ever victory in Formula E. The race, which featured a longer distance than the previous day’s event, witnessed a gripping battle between Guenther and Jake Dennis of the Andretti team.
Starting from pole position, Guenther briefly lost the lead to Dennis early on. However, employing a strategic approach, Guenther utilized his final attack mode to perfection, overtaking Dennis after the latter encountered difficulty passing Mitch Evans in his Jaguar. Guenther’s skillful maneuver allowed him to reclaim the lead and maintain a small but decisive gap over his pursuers.
Despite Dennis’ valiant efforts to challenge Guenther for the top spot, the German driver skillfully defended his position and crossed the finish line, securing his fourth victory in Formula E. This triumph also marks the first win for Guenther’s team, MSG, under its new Maserati branding. Remarkably, it is Maserati’s inaugural triumph in international single-seater racing since Juan Manuel Fangio’s victory at the 1957 German Grand Prix in Formula 1.
WHAT A WEEKEND FOR MAXIMILIAN GĂNTHER!!!! âĄïž
Heâs secured Maseratiâs FIRST World Championship single-seater win since Juan-Manuel Fangio's legendary win at the Nurburgring in 1957!
Gulavit #JakartaEPrix pic.twitter.com/UMSaoaoXSi
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) June 4, 2023
Notably, Guenther also becomes the first Formula E polesitter in the 2023 season to convert his pole position into a race win, further solidifying his position as a formidable contender in the championship.
While Dennis settled for second place, it marked his fourth consecutive podium finish, bringing him within a single point of the championship lead. Evans, driving for Jaguar, managed to secure a well-deserved third place, skillfully fending off the charging Nissan factory drivers and keeping his title hopes alive.
Sacha Fenestraz and Norma Nato showcased an impressive performance, storming through the field from seventh and 12th positions to claim fourth and fifth place, respectively. This achievement represents Nissan’s first double points finish of the season and highlights their growing competitiveness.
Back on đ@PWehrlein returns to the top of the Drivers' Standings as we leave Jakarta đźđ©
Gulavit #JakartaEPrix
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) June 4, 2023
Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein crossed the line in sixth position, effectively taking over the points lead. However, his race was marred by an ill-fated incident with Nick Cassidy, who attempted a failed overtaking maneuver in the tight Turn 16 left-hander, ultimately ruining both drivers’ chances of a higher finish.
Antonio Felix da Costa secured seventh place, closely followed by his Porsche teammate Wehrlein. Edoardo Mortara, driving for Maserati, finished in eighth place, with Stoffel Vandoorne (DS Penske) and Sebastien Buemi (Envision) rounding out the top 10.
Unfortunately, Andretti’s David Beckmann, who made his debut in this race alongside former Formula 1 driver Roberto Merhi, was forced to retire after contact with Lucas di Grassi’s Mahindra. Nonetheless, the race provided thrilling action and showcased the intense competition in the world of Formula E.
With Guenther’s historic victory for Maserati, the championship battle intensifies as the drivers and teams prepare for the next electrifying round of Formula E.
đ©đȘ @PorscheFormulaE also return to the top of the Teams' Standings as we head to the USA at the end of the month đ
Gulavit #JakartaEPrix
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) June 4, 2023
