NO MAGIC FORMULA FOR CHAMP DENNIS
Brit racer claims third in Tokyo but reveals struggles with car
WORLD champion Jake Dennis admits his Andretti car is not at the same level as last season.
The Londoner’s brave drive at the Tokyo E-prix on Saturday saw him land third place – his second podium of the season following his win in Diriyah in round two.
Dennis sits fourth in the drivers’ championship, with only 10 points separating him from jointleaders Nick Cassidy and Pascal Wehrlein.
But the standings mask problems with his car, as he bids to become only Formula E’s second-ever backto-back champion.
“There are a few things I am struggling with inside of the car that are new this season, so I’m having to adapt my driving style quite a bit,” said Dennis.
“I think it might be the best direction to go but right now, in the transition period, it’s a bit of a struggle.
“It has not been a disaster but it is not quite the level where we were last year.”
Maserati’s Max Gunther’s surprise win in Tokyo made it five different drivers and a fifth different team to claim a race victory this season.
And while it keeps Dennis on his toes, he hopes it will also keep the viewers tuning in.
“It just shows how everyone has become so much stronger,” said Dennis.
“Last year was a two-horse race between Porsche and Jaguar (powered cars), whereas now you have the Nissans, Mclarens, Maseratis and these guys are performing at such a high level.
“A bad day now is probably P11 or P12, whereas last year a bad day was like P6 or P7, so it just shows that while the hardware hasn’t changed, the software is always evolving and these guys have made a really big step.
“It ultimately makes my life harder but five different winners in five different races is a good thing for Formula E.
“It is pretty impressive. It’s the excitement that FE brings and I think it is going to continue throughout the season.”