ABB Formula E’s return to New York following a two-year absence saw Robin Frijns and Sebastien Buemi lead the way around the streets of Brooklyn, as the drivers took a bite out of the Big Apple.
Frijns set the pact in FP1, putting in a 1:10.282 around the 1.475-mile circuit. NIO 333’s Oliver Turvey proved to be the Dutchman’s closest rival, less than a tenth of a second slower than the Envision Virgin driver.
The opening session saw the top 10 all finish within a one-second margin. However, the session ended prematurely as Sam Bird ploughed into the wall on the outside of Turn 14, after going purple in the first and second sectors.
Jaguar now face a race against time ahead of Qualifying, with the British driver forced miss out on running in FP2 as the car underwent a chassis change.
BMW i Andretti’s Maximillian Guenther was third quickest, 0.419s off the fastest time. Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler’s Lucas di Grassi and Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein rounded out the top five.
It was a promising practice session for Joel Eriksson in sixth. The Swedish driver has replaced Nico Mueller at the Dragon/Penske outfit for the remainder of the season.
Despite losing valuable time in the first practice session, FP2 was a relatively quiet affair. Di Grassi initially put himself at the top of the timing sheets before Sebastien Buemi clocked in a 1:09.386, the first 250kW full power lap, with 10 minutes remaining.
This time could not be beaten and will give the Nissan e.dams driver some confidence ahead of Qualifying, as his last Formula E victory was achieved on these same streets 20 races ago.
Guenther and Wehrlein’s solid pace from FP1 continued, with the German drivers less than a sixth-thousandths of a second slower than Buemi. ROKiT Venturi had a more successful session, as championship leader Edoardo Mortara was fourth fastest ahead of teammate Norman Nato.
Mercedes EQ’s Nyck de Vries completed the top six, as compatriot and FP1 pace-setter Frijns ended practice in 13th overall.
