Rowland secures dominant home win: Oliver Rowland delivered an electrifying performance to clinch victory for the Nissan Formula E Team at the 2025 Tokyo E-Prix Round 9. The win, his fourth of the season, unfolded dramatically in front of a passionate home crowd, as Rowland executed a strategic late-race ATTACK MODE move to reclaim the lead from reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein.
Strategic brilliance under pressure: Starting from pole, Rowland dropped to sixth after activating his final ATTACK MODE, but skillfully regained positions. With just moments remaining, he surged past Wehrlein in a bold overtake between Turns 15 and 16. The move secured not only the race win but a historic lead in the Drivers’ Championship with 161 points—nearly doubling Wehrlein’s 84.
Ticktum shines on maiden podium: Dan Ticktum of CUPRA Kiro Formula E Team claimed third, marking his first-ever Formula E podium. Despite holding an energy advantage late in the race, a well-timed Safety Car neutralized his charge. Nonetheless, the result represented CUPRA’s strongest finish since Mexico City 2018, and a major morale boost for the team.
Midfield masterclasses: Jake Dennis made an impressive charge from 14th on the grid to finish fourth for Andretti, thanks to efficient energy use and tactical overtakes. Lucas di Grassi gave Lola Yamaha ABT a fifth-place result, while Jean-Eric Vergne secured sixth for DS PENSKE, showcasing the depth of talent across the grid.
Championship outlook: Rowland’s Tokyo triumph gives him the largest mid-season lead in Formula E history. Nissan now leads both the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ World Championships, underlining the team’s consistent pace and strategic prowess. With a double-header in Shanghai on the horizon, Nissan heads into the next rounds with momentum firmly on their side.
Rowland reflects on Tokyo success: After the race, Rowland admitted early frustration with his strategy but praised the decision to undercut his rivals. “I figured out that everybody would kind of undercut me, so I thought, ‘I’ll undercut them.’ It paid off today,” he noted, emphasizing his focus on Tokyo and Shanghai as key rounds.
Wehrlein remains upbeat: Despite losing the lead, Wehrlein acknowledged the strength of Porsche’s performance. “I did everything right, but there was no way to defend against Rowland’s ATTACK MODE. Still, it’s a good result,” he said.
Ticktum earns recognition: Ticktum, voted Driver of the Day, expressed satisfaction with the team’s flawless weekend and appreciated fan support. “We’re really competing consistently at the top now,” he said. “It’s a big boost for the whole squad.”
Celebrity presence and fan experience: Day 2 of the Tokyo E-Prix attracted star power with appearances from rugby star Faf de Klerk and actors Sung Kang and Hideo Ishiguro. Fans enjoyed live music by R&B artist SIRUP and immersive experiences at the Fan Village.
Commitment to sustainability: The Tokyo E-Prix demonstrated Formula E’s environmental leadership. The event was powered by renewable HVO fuel, and featured initiatives such as the Change. Accelerated. Live forum and Inspiration Hour, welcoming over 2,000 visitors to explore sustainable motorsport.
Community engagement and inclusion: Formula E donated €25,000 to support children’s homes across Tokyo, while the FIA Girls on Track program empowered young women through workshops, e-karting, and pit lane tours. Influential figures like Hana Burton and Maaya Orido participated in these inclusive initiatives.
Next stop – Shanghai showdown: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship continues with Rounds 10 and 11 in Shanghai on 31 May and 1 June. With Rowland and Nissan in commanding positions, the battle for the championship is intensifying as the season enters its critical second half.
Disclaimer: Event results, quotes, and standings are subject to official confirmation by the FIA and Formula E organizers.
Source: Formula E
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