Reigning Formula E champion Jake Dennis isn’t optimistic about the chances of retaining his title, ahead of the 2024 Shanghai E-Prix.
A poor qualifying for Andretti in the first Berlin race saw Dennis start from the back of the grid. Whilst he was able to work his way up to the front of the pack, contact with another driver dealt Dennis a race-ending puncture.
Although he finished the second Berlin race in the points, Dennis slipped down to fifth after a fierce battle with Porsche‘s Pascal Wehrlein, who is 22 points in front of Dennis in the standings.
Dennis is fourth in the Formula E drivers’ championship, 16 points between third-placed Oliver Rowland. However, championship leader Nick Cassidy enjoys a comfortable 38-point advantage over Dennis.
“I’m not even thinking about the championship,” Dennis told Total-Motorsport.com. “I’m so far behind now and London is so far away.
“Ideally we will try and win another race, have some fun out there and continuing our qualifying performance is probably the most important thing right now.
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“I need s**t to happen. If Nick and Pascal keep scoring, the title is unlikely. I need people to have incidents now.”
More chaos expected in Shanghai
Part of Dennis’ pessimism appeared to stem from the peloton style seen at recent Formula E races, in which the driver starting on pole rarely goes on to win the race.
It’s a racing style that is particularly prevalent at traditional, purpose-built circuits, as opposed to street circuits. Four of the six remaining races are set to be held at such circuits, as the series heads to double headers at Shanghai and Portland.
Despite Dennis’ unhappy outlook ahead of the next few races, the Brit performed well at the most recent race at a purpose-built circuit. The 2024 Misano E-Prix, which was held at the Misano World Circuit, saw Dennis clinch back-to-back second place finishes.
“There are four more of these types of races coming up in a row,” said Dennis. “It’s obviously pretty chaotic.”
