The Jakarta ePrix was an old Formula E aspiration. The appointment in the capital of Indonesia was already on the calendar of the ‘Season Six’ of the electrical event, so its debut was scheduled for 2020. The appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic threw the organizers’ plan into the air of Formula E, having to give up competing in Jakarta not only in 2020, but also in 2021. However, the electric single-seaters of the championship have finally competed in Indonesia this seasonlast under ‘Gen2’ regulations.
And the truth is that the first edition of the Jakarta ePrix has been a complete success. Public support has been remarkable., even if Indonesia is a country with a greater hobby and tradition in motorcycling. Also, the circuit has responded to the expectations that had been generated. Far from urban layouts with 90 degree curves imposed by artificial elements, the Jakarta track features linked curves taking advantage of the width of the streets, thus breaking with the essence of other tracks and offering a remarkable show.
In sporting terms, The Jakarta ePrix has also served to break the dominance that the Mercedes EQ single-seaters were exercising, at least to the right extent. So much so that the final victory went to Mitch Evans in the Jaguar I-Type 5, thus achieving the New Zealand pilot to remember the double triumph harvested in the streets of Rome. Second place went to Jean-Eric Vergne, while Edo Mortara finished in third placeas a sign that the Mercedes machinery is not moving away from the top positions.
Bearing in mind that Stoffel Vandoorne could not get past fifth place, behind António Félix Da Costa, the Jakarta eprix has also served to compress the fight for the Formula E World Championship title. In fact, the first four drivers are on 12 points, which draws a gap with respect to Robin Frijns who will not have a good memory of Formula E passing through Indonesia. Nor will the Porsche team keep a special memory of the trip to Jakarta watching the performance of their pilots.
Be that as it may, Formula E closes its episode in Jakarta with great satisfaction after an ePrix that has provided a great show, with a race full of alternations. For this reason, We invite you to watch the video embedded in this article with the best images of the Jakarta ePrixamong them several overtaking of great merit that show the good work of the local promoter with a circuit that allows different strategies and offers several overtaking points.
Photos: FIA Formula E