Following a successful debut that captivated fans in 2024, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is set to electrify Tokyo once again, this time with a highly anticipated double-header event for Rounds 8 and 9 of Season 11. The street circuit in the heart of Japan’s bustling capital will host two intense races on May 17th and 18th, 2025, promising a thrilling spectacle as the revolutionary GEN3 Evo cars take on the narrow and challenging layout. The inaugural Tokyo E-Prix in 2024 saw a dramatic last-lap victory for Maximilian Guenther over Oliver Rowland, in what was Nissan’s first-ever home race. Now, as the championship reaches its crucial mid-point, the stakes are even higher, with Oliver Rowland of the Nissan Formula E Team holding a significant lead in the drivers’ standings. The double-header in Tokyo precedes another exciting double-header at the iconic Shanghai International Circuit, scheduled for May 31st and June 1st, making this a pivotal stretch in the Season 11 championship battle.
With a commanding 115-point lead, Oliver Rowland (Nissan Formula E Team) arrives in Tokyo with considerable momentum, eager to perform strongly on his team’s home soil. The memory of narrowly missing out on victory in the 2024 event will undoubtedly fuel his determination to capitalize on his impressive form in the first half of the season. The pressure will be on his closest rivals from the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team – reigning champion Pascal Wehrlein and Season 6 champion António Félix da Costa – who will be aiming to close the gap in the championship standings. The Tokyo Big Sight street circuit, with its dynamic cityscape backdrop, is poised to deliver an electrifying spectacle in the GEN3 Evo era, doubling the racing excitement for fans after the sell-out success of the inaugural race.
The 2.575km Tokyo street circuit presents a unique challenge for the drivers with its compact and technical layout. Featuring 18 turns, the circuit includes three long straights offering potential for high speeds, interspersed with three intricate chicane sequences demanding precision and car control. The strategically placed ATTACK MODE activation zone, located on the outside of Turn 4, will introduce a crucial tactical element to the races. Additionally, the tight Turns 1 and 2, along with the challenging Turns 10 and 11, are anticipated to be key overtaking hotspots, promising plenty of wheel-to-wheel battles for the enthusiastic fans. Adding another layer of strategic complexity to the Saturday action during Round 8, the PIT BOOST feature will introduce significant variables that could impact the strategies of all 22 drivers. Rounds 8 and 9 of the 2025 Tokyo E-Prix are scheduled to start at 15:05 local time on Saturday, May 17th, and Sunday, May 18th, respectively.
Season 11 Championship Battle at Mid-Point: The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 11 has witnessed a captivating start, characterized by intense competition across the Drivers’, Teams’, and Manufacturers’ standings. The opening seven rounds have showcased the highly competitive nature of Formula E racing, with victories distributed among several drivers. Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) secured a win in São Paulo, Max Günther (DS Penske) triumphed in the first Jeddah event, Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche) claimed victory in Miami, and Sebastien Buemi (Envision Racing) celebrated his first Formula E win in six years in Round 7 in Monaco. Oliver Rowland of the Nissan Formula E Team has emerged as a significant contender this season, securing three victories, including an impressive win in Monaco – his first in the Principality. As the championship heads to Nissan’s second home race in Tokyo, all eyes will be on Rowland to see if he can extend his lead. The Teams’ Championship also reflects this intense competition, with TAG Heuer Porsche and Nissan Formula E Team separated by a mere seven points at the top. Similarly, the Manufacturers’ World Championship sees Nissan and Porsche locked in a tight battle for supremacy, highlighting the ongoing innovation and performance across the Formula E grid. For detailed standings across all three championships, fans can visit fiaformulae.com.
Beyond the thrilling on-track action, attendees of the Tokyo E-Prix can immerse themselves in an unforgettable experience at the Fan Village, which offers free access throughout the day, even for those without race tickets. The Fan Village provides a unique opportunity for fans to experience the thrill of electric street racing firsthand by getting behind the virtual wheel of a Formula E car on state-of-the-art simulators. Visitors will also have the chance to meet the beloved Pikachu and friends, and enjoy captivating performances from talented local dancers and musicians, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for all ages.
The 2025 Tokyo E-Prix is committed to sustainability and social impact through several key initiatives. The event will be powered by a renewable energy mix, primarily utilizing sustainable HVO fuel. Formula E’s thought leadership platform, Change. Accelerated. Live Tokyo presented by Bloomberg, will return on Friday, May 16th, bringing together influential figures from motorsport, sustainability, politics, and education to discuss strategies driving innovation in sport, business, and society. The event will also feature “Inspiration Hour,” Formula E’s Community Tour, offering a behind-the-scenes experience for up to 2,000 local residents and community groups, including a chance to watch Free Practice 1, participate in a Pit Lane walk, and enjoy an exclusive track walk. American actor and “Fast and Furious” star Sung Kang, a passionate advocate for inspiring the next generation, will return to Tokyo to participate in an Inspiration Hour career talk. Additionally, the FIA Girls on Track programme will host up to 120 young women during the race week, offering workshops, gaming, career talks, and a Pit Lane walk to promote empowerment and education in motorsport and engineering, focusing on STEM education and gender inclusivity. Off-site events include an immersive E-Karting masterclass for up to 120 young women. Japanese-American racing driver and content creator Hana Burton, and active rally driver Maaya Orido, will also be present to support the FIA Girls on Track programme, which is proudly supported by Hankook, ABB, and Fortescue Zero.
For fans looking to catch all the action of the 2025 Tokyo E-Prix, the schedule begins on Friday, May 16th, with Free Practice 1 at 16:00 local time. Saturday, May 17th, features Free Practice 2 at 08:00 local time, followed by qualifying at 10:20 local time, and Round 8 of the race commencing at 15:05 local time (13:05 UTC), marking the mid-point of the season. Sunday, May 18th, follows a similar schedule for Round 9, with a single Free Practice session at 08:00 local time, followed by qualifying at 10:20 local time, and the race at 15:05 local time.
Summary
- Tokyo hosts a double-header for Formula E Rounds 8 & 9 on May 17-18, 2025.
- Oliver Rowland (Nissan) leads the championship heading into his home race.
- TAG Heuer Porsche drivers Wehrlein and da Costa are his closest rivals.
- The Tokyo street circuit is a challenging 2.575km layout with 18 turns.
- Round 8 features the PIT BOOST strategic element.
- Fan Village offers free access with simulators and entertainment.
- The event emphasizes sustainability with renewable energy sources.
- FIA Girls on Track programme promotes STEM education for young women.
- Rounds 8 & 9 start at 15:05 local time on Saturday and Sunday.
Disclaimer: Event schedules and details are subject to change. Please refer to the official Formula E website for the most up-to-date information.
Source: Formula E
AI Assistance: Gemini
