Dennis wants to end on a high in Seoul
FORMULA E STAR WILL RETURN WITH AVALANCHE ANDRETTI FOR NEW WORLD TITLE BID NEXT YEAR
FORMULA E star Jake Dennis hopes to round off the season on a high as the world championship reaches its climax in Seoul this weekend.
The 27-year-old Avalanche Andretti driver’s second season has been a struggle and he currently lies ninth in the drivers’ standings on 98 points.
Dennis, a former Bosworth Academy and Loughborough College student, enjoyed a return to form in London last time out, securing a victory and second place.
But he has still failed to live up to the high expectations set for him after finishing third in the world championship in his rookie season.
Team owner Michael Andretti admitted the season had been frustrating following the departure of factory support from BMW.
However, he praised Dennis’ performance for working with what the Andretti team has been able to provide before beginning its partnership with Porsche in Formula E’s Gen3 era – and also confirmed the British star will be back with the team next year.
“We’ve gotten some results, but you know, I think it’s been frustrating, because we’re not developing,” said Andretti.
“Our competition has come a long way in terms of developing their power units.
“So, you know, as the year goes on, it’s getting tougher and tougher for us.
“But we understand this transitional year. And, you know, we’re really looking forward to our partnership with Porsche.
“Jake’s done a great job for us, he’s doing the best with what he has, especially with qualifying.
“And the race is where we really seem to suffer the most because we just can’t save our energy the way the others can.
“But he’s done a great job doing what he has, and we’re happy that he’s still going to stay a part of us.”
Mercedes-EQ’s Stoffel Vandoorne holds a 36-point lead heading into the final weekend, with Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) and Edoardo Mortara (ROKiT Venturi Racing) in second and third respectively.
Belgian Vandoorne, 30, has been the most consistent performer this season, having scored in all but one E-Prix and securing podium finishes in half of the races to enable him to break away from the chasing pack.
But it is all to play for in the teams’ championship with Mercedes-EQ leading on 291 points, followed by ROKiT Venturi Racing on 255 points and DS TECHEETAH on 244 points.
It will be the first time Formula E has raced in South Korea, with the double-header taking place on a unique track constructed around and even looping through the Jamsil Olympic Stadium, the first world championship sporting event held at the venue since the Olympic Games in 1988.
Tomorrow, the second race of the 2022 Hana Bank Seoul E-Prix double-header will be Formula E’s 100th E-Prix.
The race is also the end of the Gen2 era, the second version of Formula E race car.
Watch all the action in Seoul this weekend live on on Channel 4, with coverage from 7.30am today and tomorrow.