Formula E: Vandoorne Wins Three Duels To Seal Pole in Diriyah

Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes-EQ) showed the coolest head to win the final Duel and come out on top in Formula E’s new qualifying format, beating Jake Dennis (Avalanche Andretti), in spite of the Brit’s ruthless showing.

Dennis flew off to a fine start in the final face-off, but his Andretti machine looked looser than Vandoorne’s Silver Arrow 02 and by the half-way point of the lap, the Belgian had romped four tenths of-a-second clear. Dennis gave it all he had and nibbled at the deficit, but Vandoorne’s typically collected – and rapid – effort delivered Julius Baer Pole Position – stringing it together and delivering on four occasions, from Groups right through to the final Duel.

Ultra-calm had Dennis given experienced adversary Andre Lotterer (Porsche) absolutely nothing in the semi-finals with the Andretti driver pulling a storming sixth tenths on the German to make the front row, and ultimately second spot.

Race 1 Lineup