Maserati sets the pace in first Cape Town ePrix practice

24 February 2023 - 20:07
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
The beautiful Cape Town ePrix circuit is one of the quickest on the 2023 calendar.
The beautiful Cape Town ePrix circuit is one of the quickest on the 2023 calendar.
Image: Formula E

Maserati MSG Racing topped the Friday timing sheets in the first free practice session of the inaugural Cape Town ePrix.

Blitzing the beautiful 2.94km track that runs through the iconic Green Point and Waterfront precincts, Edoardo Mortara led the 22-car field with a time of 1:09.700.

Second fastest and a mere 0.158 behind Mortara was Jaguar TCS Racing's Sam Bird who looked very much at home around the Mother City's challenging, twelve-corner circuit.

Rounding off the top three was Nissan's Sacha Fenestraz who clocked a 1:09:887. 

Sam Bird was second fastest for Jaguar TCS Racing.
Sam Bird was second fastest for Jaguar TCS Racing.
Image: Formula E

The first free practice was not without drama, however, as Envision Racing's Sebastian Buemi crashed heavily early on in the session; destroying the right side of his car and bringing out the red flags.

Once resumed, proceedings again came to a halt after ABT Cupra's Kelvin van der Linde came to a halt on track with a reported driveshaft issue. The 26-year-old South African driver would finish the day 20th overall with a time of 1:11:991. 

The second free practice session gets under way at 9:10am on Saturday, with qualifying following at 11:40am and the race at 4pm. Click here to view the full first practice results. 

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.