Max Gunther secured pole position and emerged victorious in an impressive race, with Jean-Eric Vergne starting from 10th place and finishing in second. DS Penske achieved an outstanding result in the first Formula E weekend race in Shanghai.
Following his remarkable performance in Jeddah, Max Gunther strived for further success and valuable points in China. Besides being a favorite for the weekend, his teammate Vergne, a frequent front-row starter, also had strong cards to play. Vergne holds the Formula E record for pole positions, with the penultimate one earned in Shanghai back in 2024.
The first practice session on Friday afternoon aimed at refining driving modes and didn’t necessarily reflect each driver’s true potential. However, both DS Penske drivers showed comfort and efficiency, maintaining a position in the top 10 without excessive effort. This practice was particularly significant as it marked the debut of Gen 3 EVOs on the track, where specific modifications had been made.
Saturday morning saw Gunther shining in practice, securing fourth place closely behind the fastest time, with Vergne trailing closely behind. Gunther’s dominance continued in qualifying, securing pole position and maintaining a significant lead over competitors. Although Vergne narrowly missed the quarter-finals by a tiny margin, his performance showcased great potential for the upcoming race.
During the race, Gunther showcased exceptional driving skills, overcoming various challenges to secure his second podium finish of the season. Amidst the intense competition and strategy considerations, Gunther expressed his gratitude to the team for providing him with an excellent car. While facing a tough race ahead, he remained optimistic about the potential strategies that starting from the front could offer.
