Nyck de Vries claimed victory in Sunday’s Tokyo E-Prix after a fascinating strategic battle where the weather forecast ultimately proved more influential than the rain itself.
Heavy rain had been forecast to hit the circuit, prompting many drivers—particularly those starting near the front—to gamble on wet set-ups. While the race began on a damp track, the expected downpour never arrived, allowing those who had opted for dry configurations to come alive as the circuit rapidly dried.
The wet-shod frontrunners initially enjoyed a significant advantage, pulling clear of the field in the opening stages. Taylor Barnard produced one of the standout performances of the race, carving his way to the front and looking on course for a maiden Formula E podium for DS Penske.
However, the balance of power shifted dramatically as the racing line dried. Nyck de Vries and Jake Dennis, both benefiting from dry set-ups and well-timed Attack Modes, began slicing through the field.
Dennis, who had started in 18th, looked particularly unstoppable as his Andretti came alive in the latter stages. Taking his final Attack Mode late in the race, he appeared to have the pace to fight for victory after charging into the top three.
That opportunity disappeared with just two laps remaining.
Pole-sitter Edoardo Mortara collided with the rear of Joel Eriksson’s car at Turn 7, creating a blockage that brought out the red flag and ultimately ended the race prematurely.
Dennis lost the benefit of his remaining Attack Mode and was forced to settle for third place.
De Vries, meanwhile, held on to secure a superb victory, while Nick Cassidy finished second to complete an excellent weekend in Tokyo after taking two podium finishes across the double-header.
Championship leader Oliver Rowland was outstanding during the opening wet conditions, but his pace faded as the circuit dried, leaving him to finish fourth.
Jean-Éric Vergne crossed the line in fifth but remains under investigation after failing to enter the pit lane during the red flag procedure. Should he receive a penalty, he is likely to lose that result.
Norman Nato finished sixth ahead of Sébastien Buemi in seventh, with Nico Müller taking eighth. Barnard’s impressive race ultimately yielded only ninth after leading for much of the early running, while Maximilian Günther completed the top ten.
Further down the order, Pascal Wehrlein and Mitch Evans were among those whose wet set-up gamble backfired, finishing only 15th and 17th respectively as the drying track left them struggling for pace.
