Formula E returns to the Japanese capital this weekend for the much-anticipated 2025 Tokyo E-Prix, with the city’s narrow, high-speed street circuit set to host a back-to-back spectacle that could prove pivotal in the championship race.
Following the success of its inaugural race in 2024, Tokyo now steps up to double duty, staging both Rounds 8 and 9 of the Formula E World Championship on May 17 and 18.
All eyes will be on Oliver Rowland, who enters his home race in imperious form. The Nissan Formula E driver currently leads the standings by a commanding margin, having scored 115 points across the opening seven rounds.
That’s nearly double the tally of his nearest challengers – Antonio Felix da Costa (67 points) and Pascal Wehrlein (66 points), both representing Porsche.
The Tokyo E-Prix is the first of two Asian double-headers in May, with the Shanghai E-Prix set to follow later this month. As the series enters its critical mid-season phase, momentum and consistency will be key.
Tokyo’s tight circuit returns with new strategic challenges
Set in the heart of the Tokyo Bay area near the Tokyo Big Sight convention centre, the 2.575km layout returns with its technical 18-turn configuration designed to test the GEN3 Evo cars to their limit.
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This year, the track retains three long straights and several chicanes, demanding precision braking and smart energy use.
Key overtaking spots will be at the Turn 1/2 complex and the tighter Turns 10 and 11. The Attack Mode activation zone is positioned just outside Turn 4, offering a vital strategic tool. A unique addition to Saturday’s race will be Pit Boost, adding another tactical layer by allowing drivers an energy-based advantage if deployed smartly.
With high humidity, tight runoffs, and narrow track width, drivers will need to be inch-perfect across both days to maximise points.
Rowland’s form and championship backdrop
This season has seen an impressive variety of winners, including Mitch Evans (Sao Paulo), Maximilian Günther (Jeddah), Pascal Wehrlein (Miami), and Sebastien Buemi, who took a remarkable win in Monaco.
Yet it’s Rowland who has been the standout performer, notching up three wins and continuing to extract maximum performance from his Nissan package.
Reflecting on his goals ahead of his home race, Rowland will be particularly motivated after narrowly missing victory in last year’s Tokyo E-Prix. Nissan, buoyed by local support and a home crowd, will look to convert that energy into another winning weekend.
The Teams’ Championship is also heating up, with Porsche and Nissan separated by just seven points, while both manufacturers remain locked in a fierce duel in the Constructors’ standings.
When is the 2025 Tokyo E-Prix?
Saturday’s schedule includes FP2 at 08:00 local time, qualifying at 10:20, and Round 8 lights out at 15:05 local time (06:05 UTC).
For fans in the UK that means FP2 starts at midnight on Friday, with Qualifying at 2:20am on Saturday morning and the Round 8 Tokyo E-Prix beginning at 7:20am.
Sunday’s format mirrors Saturday’s, with FP3 at 08:00am local time, qualifying again at 10:20am, and Round 9 starting at 15:05 local time.
Where can I watch the Tokyo E-Prix 2025?
Formula E fans in the UK can catch both races in the double header on ITV4 and ITVX. For those int he USA, the Tokyo E-Prix is available on Roku.
Who is leading the Formula E championship before Tokyo?
Oliver Rowland leads the standings with 115 points ahead of Rounds 8 and 9 in Tokyo.
