After a challenging morning for Jake Hughes, the day belonged to him with a second Qualifying duels appearance and the first podium of the season for Maserati MSG Racing. Albeit a good day for team mate Stoffel Vandoorne, it remains one of ‘what could have been’ as a technical infringement saw him forced to give up his impressive qualifying position and have to fight up the grid from the back.
A quiet final practice session put both Jake and Stoffel off the competition’s radars going into qualifying, which was a mistake. Both showed exceptional pace in the Group Qualifying, finishing their sessions fastest (Stoffel in Group A) and second fastest (Jake in Group B) to storm into the quarter finals.
Being in different groups, the potential to get both cars into the Qualifying Finals was more than achievable, and Jake and Stoffel were looking to maximise their duels appearances to start as far up the grid as possible. The quarter finals went the way of Maserati MSG Racing, becoming the only team with two cars inside the top four after Stoffel eliminated McLaren’s Sam Bird and Jake out-drove Mahindra’s Edoardo Mortara. Only Nissan’s Oliver Rowland and McLaren’s Taylor Barnard stood in the way of a Maserati MSG Racing front row lock out.
It was tight between Stoffel and Rowland, but the Nissan held onto a two tenth advantage at the chequered flag. Unfortunately, the story was the same on the other side of the garage, with Jake unable to hold onto his early lap advantage and out-pace Barnard. Still, it was a second row lock out for the team, a very strong place for both Maserati MSG Racing drivers to start to optimise the points potential of the weekend.
Luck continued to not be on Stoffel’s side as, in post Qualifying parc fermé, a technical infringement was discovered resulting in disqualification. After what had been a fantastic afternoon – placing the car P3 – the Belgian had it all to do again in the race as he was forced to start from the back.
All eyes fell on Jake who had moved up to Stoffel’s P3 start position after the disqualification. It was almost the perfect getaway, passing Rowland for second as the dove into the first corner and instantly put Barnard under pressure for the race lead. Jake stayed toe-to-toe with the race leaders, remaining a threat in the top three as the grid started to spread.
Early deployment of Attack Mode from those behind saw Jake cycle down the order, but it was only a matter of time before he would regain the positions. Taking his own first two minutes of Attack Mode, he regained third place and had eyes locked on Barnard in second.
Stoffel had a brilliant start from the back of the grid, climbing to P17 in the first couple of corners. Showing off the Maserati Tipo Folgore’s improved pace, Stoffel made quick work of the competition, back in the points before the first Attack Modes were taken.
With no Pit Boost this race, Jake and Stoffel were able to focus on the opportune moment to deploy their final six minutes of Attack Mode and manage their energy as the end of the race loomed closer and closer. Stoffel had been shuffled down to P14, so was looking to capitalise on as many positions as he could, whilst Jake was still very much in the podium fight, looking to improve from his P3 position.
It was in the dying moments of the race that both Maserati MSG Racing drivers took their final Attack. Being some of the last drivers to activate, the duo took advantage of not only their competitors being out of Attack Mode but also being in energy preservation for the end of the race. Stoffel glided through the field, contently securing another double points finish for the team. Not only was it a double points finish, but a strong one as Stoffel almost climbed from last on the grid to a top five finish, P6 come the chequered flag.
Jake was caught in a brawl with Barnard, looking to take second place from his fellow countryman. With Attack Mode in hand, Jake had the pace and energy to easily get the move done. He lined the McLaren up coming down the main straight, but heavy defensive driving from Barnard saw Jake have to take evasive action to the run-off and cut the corner. He didn’t use the advantage to jump the McLaren, knowing he would have to hand the position back, and had no choice but to settle back behind him.
Unluckily, with Jake’s Attack Mode then running out, he had to go back to watching his energy and his mirrors for those behind who were waiting to pounce on any mistake he made. Putting priority on securing a podium finish over chasing down second, Jake defended beautifully to bring the silverware back to the team, holding off a late and inspired lunge from Andretti’s Jake Dennis.
At the conclusion of the Jeddah E-Prix double header, it can only be said that it was incredibly positive for Maserati MSG Racing. Three appearances in qualifying duels and four top ten finishes including the first podium of the year is a great improvement from where the team left things in Mexico City. The progress is only getting better, and the team will strive to continue this progress after the break ahead of the inaugural Miami E-Prix.
QUOTES
Jake Hughes, Driver, Maserati MSG Racing: “The team have been nothing short of sensational since I joined. They’ve been great and they have really helped me get up to speed so we can get as much out of our first season together as possible. It’s such an honour to be able to bring home a podium so early in the season and our journey together. There’s a lot to learn in Formula E when you change teams, and they’ve prepared me and Stoffel very well. It goes to show when you see we’ve had both cars in the points every race since Mexico. This race, with no Pit Boost, we were focusing on energy; when to save it, making sure there was some in the tank to use later, and when to deploy. At one point we were a bit further back in the pack, P8 or P9, and I was worried if this strategy would come good but thankfully it did. When I activated my last Attack Mode and we had six minutes left, I knew the podium was on. It’s a tribute to the team and how far we’ve come in only four races to see Stoffel come from the back and finish P6. I’m really looking forward to the next races now and carrying this momentum forwards, with both Stoffel and I making podium appearances together.”
Stoffel Vandoorne, Driver, Maserati MSG Racing: “This race is one of mixed feelings, because although it was great to come from the back and finish P6, it feels like a missed opportunity. After qualifying so well, it feels like something was left out there, and I know we had the pace, like Jake, to fight with the leaders for a podium. It was Jake’s turn today and I’m so happy to not only see the team get another great points haul, but also to see us get our first podium of the season. Next time, we’ll do a bit better, start from our intended podium slot and be up there with Jake and the rest of them, back to what we deserve. Coming back to P6 and rejoining the lead group from the back only shows the great strides the team has made already and what an effort we all put in. I am satisfied with the result even if a little disappointed with what feels like a missed opportunity.”
Cyril Blais, Team Principal, Maserati MSG Racing: “An absolutely fantastic race from both sides of the garage. Both cars in the semi-finals of duels, Jake converting his great start position into a podium and Stoffel scoring good points finishing in the top six. We had done an excellent job with Stoffel in qualifying, learning from mistakes yesterday, so it was a shame we had a small technical issue that had him disqualified from qualifying. Still, his pace and ability to move up the grid just goes to show the pace and talent in the car. Just think what he could have achieved if he started in his qualified P3! Jake’s first podium with us and our first podium of the year is just an indication of the direction this team is going in. Both in qualifying and then the race to capitalise on good performances and bring home great points for the team was the perfect end to a successful weekend. Momentum is really building, and I cannot wait to get to Miami to get that first win under our belts!”
Maria Conti, Head of Maserati Corse: “We are thrilled with the outstanding result we achieved today in Jeddah! Our first podium of the season is the result of the hard work and dedication of the whole team. This success gives us great motivation for the future, and we are determined to continue on this winning path! In the double-header race weekend in Jeddah, the lessons learned were many, especially with the introduction of the ‘Pit Boost’. Technology transfer from Formula E to our 100% electric Folgore range is crucial, particularly in terms of energy management and the ability to adapt quickly to new racing conditions. These skills enable us to continuously study and improve the performance and energy efficiency of our road cars. Now we have a six-week preparation break ahead of us before we land in Miami, where we are ready to continue to prove our worth and meet our luxury consumers and all the Maserati enthusiasts in US.”
