DS Automobiles Scores One Point in First Night Race at Tokyo E-Prix
Taylor Barnard finished 10th to score a single championship point for DS Automobiles after an electronic problem cost him a top-four position in the first-ever night race at the Tokyo E-Prix.
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- 10th
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What Happened
For the first time, the Tokyo E-Prix featured two night races as part of the penultimate round of the Formula E season. The 2.58-kilometre street circuit was illuminated by floodlights, creating a new atmosphere against the city lights. With mandatory PIT BOOST and a single Attack Mode, the race demanded strategic management.
Taylor Barnard reached the Duels stage for the eighth time, lining up 5th; Maximilian Günther qualified 9th.
Both drivers gained a position, with Barnard rising to third behind the leaders.
Barnard activated Attack Mode and moved back up to fourth.
Barnard suffered an electronic steering wheel problem, losing several places to finish 10th.
Günther took an earlier PIT BOOST but his steering wheel display went blank, preventing energy management; he finished 15th.
“This is obviously not the result we were hoping for in the first race at Tokyo. Finishing 10th and scoring just one point certainly doesn't reflect how our day unfolded. After a tricky free practice, the team did an excellent job of improving the car. That allowed me to qualify fifth and then climb to third in the race before the PIT BOOST stop. Unfortunately, we then encountered a problem that co”
“The first half of the race went very well and we managed the pit stop well. We had very good pace and I think we were in a position to fight for a place in the top four. Unfortunately, the display on my steering wheel went blank, so I no longer had the data I needed to manage my energy to the end of the race. I was almost driving blind, so it's practically a miracle that we managed to reach the fi”
- 151 races entered
- 4 championship titles
- 18 victories
- 55 podiums
Previously from DS Automobiles
DS Automobiles entered the Tokyo E-Prix having prepared for the first-ever night races, as noted in prior coverage. The team also recently celebrated its 150th Formula E race in Shanghai, where both drivers scored top-10 finishes. In Tokyo, the team managed only a single point due to technical issues.
- DS Automobiles Prepares for Tokyo E-Prix with Two Night Races
- DS Automobiles Marks 150th Formula E Race with Top-10 Finish in Shanghai
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of DS Automobiles's official releases.
Why this matters
The Tokyo E-Prix night race marks a new chapter for Formula E, showcasing the series' ability to race after dark. DS Automobiles' strong pace but disappointing result highlights the fine margins in motorsport, where technical glitches can erase hard-earned positions. The team and drivers will have another chance to score points in Sunday's second race.
Terms in This Story
- PIT BOOST
- A mandatory pit stop during a Formula E race where the car is recharged with additional energy, typically taking around 30 seconds.
- Attack Mode
- A temporary power boost available to Formula E drivers, activated by driving through a designated activation zone, usually granting extra power for a limited time.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.