The heat was on at the double-header in Jakarta, Indonesia – and not just for the 22 drivers in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The fans also helped to creating a melting pot atmosphere for races ten and eleven. They were treated to two thrilling Formula E races, with many overtakes and fierce battles. One important factor in both races was once again the standard tire used by all Formula E drivers, the Hankook iON Race. It overcame the heat to provide the field with flawless performance, great reliability and lots of grip at the 2.370-kilometer Jakarta International E-Prix Circuit.
After a three-way battle for the lead that lasted several laps, it was Germany’s Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team) who took the checkered flag to win the opening race of the weekend after 36 laps. Second place went to Brit Jake Dennis from the Avalanche Andretti Formula E team. Wehrlein’s compatriot Maximilian Günther (Maserati MSG Racing) produced a strong drive from pole position, but eventually had to settle for third place behind the two dominant Porsche.
On Sunday, Günther backed up his outstanding performance from Friday and Saturday, once again securing pole position on the Hankook iON Race. This time, the 25-year-old came out on top, thanks in part to a perfect energy strategy, and cl
aimed his fourth Formula E win in the biggest city in Southeast Asia. Günther is the first driver to convert pole position into victory for 13 races. Dennis was runner-up again and has now closed to within just one point of championship leader Wehrlein. Third across the finish line after 38 laps and 90 kilometers was New Zealand’s Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing).
The weather was the talk of the town among the teams and drivers in Jakarta. Temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius and high humidity levels presented a real test for everyone involved. However, the Hankook iON Race still kept its cool in the scorching heat. Youngsoo Kim, Vice President of Motorsport & Motor Culture Department at Hankook Tire & Technology: “We are very happy with the strong performance of the Hankook iON Race. Given the conditions, we expected far higher running surface temperatures. However, the tire coped well with the heat and the drivers also know very well how to manage our premium product now. The dust on the track also posed no problems. Even towards the end of the race, it was still possible to attack right the way through the field without losing the necessary grip.”
Winner of race 10 Pascal Wehrlein said that “The tire is very well suited to Jakarta, particularly because it is somewhat hotter here. The tire was really very consistent in the race. Great job, Hankook!” Also, Maximilian Günther – winner of race 11 – quoted that “We really made full use of the tire. We had a perfect balance and the right strategy. I was able to manage my tires superbly over the full race distance and still had good pace at the finish. The tire was incredibly consistent and when you know that it is not going to fall off a cliff at the end, it gives you confidence and is great fun.”
Great reward for great commitment: Hankook is not only dedicated to the topic of sustainability as an official technical partner and tire supplier in Formula E. In the run-up to the Jakarta E-Prix, the premium tire maker researched schools that, together with their pupils, do their bit to help the environment through various sustainability activities. The “A pretty good thing” award was presented to the SDN 17 Kebon Jeruk school in West Jakarta, which has done away with plastic cutlery, uses solar panels to generate energy, and looks after a hydroponic garden. The trophy and financial support were presented by Hankook Tire Director of Hankook Tire Sales Indonesia, Yoonsoo Shin, during an official press conference.
All dressed up – DS Automobiles started its 100th Formula E race on Sunday and celebrated this milestone with a striking special livery.
Spain’s former Formula 1 driver Roberto Merhi replaced Oliver Rowland at the wheel for Indian Formula E team Mahindra Racing in Jakarta. Merhi finished 18th and 17th on the Hankook iON Race at the double-header in Asia. Rowland will not return to the cockpit. The team explained: “We have come to a mutual agreement with Oliver Rowland that he will not start the next seven races.”
The FIA doubled the Attack Mode phases for races ten and eleven of the season. Instead of four minutes, the drivers in Jakarta had a full eight minutes to call on the full 350 kW of power and go on the attack, while taking full advantage of the high level of grip provided by the Hankook iON Race. As usual, the Attack Mode phases were split into two different activations, with the drivers able to select between three different formats: 6+2 minutes, 4+4 minutes or 2+6 minutes.
Ahead of the Jakarta E-Prix, Formula E marked World Environment Day by raising awareness of the increasing amount of pollution in our oceans. More than 300 volunteers, including from the ABT Cupra Formula E Team, Avalanche Andretti Formula E, Maserati MSG Racing, NIO 333 Racing Formula E Team, Mahindra Racing, and a number of partners joined Formula E employees for a “clean up” on Pantai Beach at the Ancol resort. More than 120 sacks of plastic and waste were collected on the beach next to the racetrack.
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