ROME — Jake Dennis created Formula E history in the second race of the Hankook Rome E-Prix to reclaim the lead in the fight for the world title with just two races remaining.
The Briton conquered every opponent in Rome on his way to claiming the first grand slam of the GEN3 era: Julius Bär Pole Position, TAG Heuer Fastest Lap and the race win while leading every lap of the race.
“I am honestly lost for words how we have just won that race,” Dennis said. “It was so tactical inside the cockpit, trying to keep Bird within a certain distance because obviously he is going to try and help Mitch. I really needed Norman as my wingman that race, and we worked together really well. I gave him space to help him defend when Bird went on Attack Mode and then when I needed the same he did just that.
“Wow, what a race, what a team for giving me this incredible car. I have said it a million times, but after yesterday’s mistake we turned it around. Full redemption. I can’t wait to celebrate with them.”
In another dramatic race on the scorching streets of the Eternal City and following the biggest crash ever in a Formula E race yesterday, Dennis was again able to keep himself out of a disaster that struck his closest title rivals Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans close behind him on just the second lap of the race.
As Cassidy prepared to take on Dennis for the lead into the braking zone at the infamous turn seven, Evans lost the rear of his Jaguar in the compression, clipped the leader’s Andretti and launched spectacularly over the top of Cassidy’s Envision Racing Jaguar I-TYPE 6.
The airborne incident again demonstrated the resilience of the GEN3 race car in its first season of competition in Formula E just a day after the multi-car shunt – and highlights the uniquely intense, high-risk nature of the series as drivers battle on city streets between walls without track limits.
It was another huge moment in the battle for the drivers’ title and Dennis took full advantage. Evans’ damage proved terminal after he limped back to the pits while Cassidy could only recover to finish in 14th and outside of crucial points for the Kiwi who started the race leading the title fight by five points over Dennis.
From there, Dennis looked assured and was able to dominate the race to finish three seconds ahead of Norman Nato in second. Nato himself fought valiantly to hold off Sam Bird for the duration despite suffering early damage to his front wing.
That was the first lights-to-flag victory of the GEN3 era, and only the fourth ’grand slam’ in Formula E’s 114-race history. One of those previous grand slams was achieved by Dennis and the only driver to have achieved more than one in Formula E history. Meanwhile, more than 26,000 attended the Rome double-header race weekend to experience the non-stop world class motorsport entertainment.
The result means Dennis takes a 24-point advantage over Cassidy going into the season finale double-header in London – home soil and a circuit where he has won twice. Evans is 44 points back in third, while Pascal Wehrlein retains a slim mathematical hope, 49 points shy of top spot.
Envision Racing lead the way in the Teams’ table by 14 points over TAG Heuer Porsche while Jaguar TCS Racing lien in third with 228 points.
As both races in Rome proved – anything can happen in Formula E, and the final weekend of the season is sure to feature more twists and turns as the championship battle reaches its exciting climax.
Keyword: Dennis Conquers All In Rome To Top Standings