Jake Hughes Dominates Wet Conditions in Jakarta E-Prix Practice

In a rain-soaked practice session for the 2025 Sarinah Jakarta E-Prix, Jake Hughes of Maserati MSG Racing topped the timesheets, showcasing remarkable skill on the damp circuit. The second free practice, held on June 21, 2025, saw Hughes navigating the challenging conditions with agility, clocking the fastest lap time of the session just as the rain subsided. Notably, this practice session followed significant storms that swept through Jakarta overnight, transforming the dusty track conditions experienced in the first practice session into a slippery challenge for all drivers.

The session commenced at 08:00 local time, immediately after the rain ceased, presenting drivers with a surface that was both treacherous and unpredictable. Hughes' performance earned him first place, while Pascal Wehrlein, a seasoned competitor and past race winner in Jakarta, secured second for TAG Heuer Porsche. NEOM McLaren’s rookie Taylor Barnard impressed by finishing third, followed closely by Edoardo Mortara of Mahindra Racing in fourth, and Stoffel Vandoorne, another Maserati driver, rounding out the top five.

"Finding grip was difficult today; many drivers faced challenges as they adjusted to the wet conditions," Hughes commented post-session. "However, I felt confident in the car's handling, which allowed me to push hard for those fast laps."

The session was not without its incidents. Nick Cassidy of Jaguar TCS Racing faced a potential suspension issue that limited his running, raising concerns similar to those that affected teammate Robin Frijns during the previous day’s practice. Cassidy’s race engineer, Phil Ingram, communicated with urgency over the radio, indicating that Cassidy’s front-right suspension appeared to have failed, echoing Frijns' earlier problems. Fortunately, Cassidy was able to return to the garage for repairs and rejoined the track later in the session.

As the session progressed, the track became increasingly congested with all 22 drivers vying for crucial final laps ahead of qualifying. The event's organizers anticipate heightened excitement as the E-Prix approaches, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by Jakarta’s climate and track layout.

The 2025 Sarinah Jakarta E-Prix is set for June 21, with qualifying scheduled for 10:20 local time (03:20 UTC) and the race commencing at 15:00 local time (08:00 UTC). With the circuit’s unpredictable weather patterns, drivers and teams are bracing for a thrilling race as they adapt their strategies based on the conditions observed during practice sessions.

As the championship progresses, Hughes’ performance may have significant implications for his standing in the overall series, while the issues faced by Cassidy could necessitate further scrutiny of Jaguar TCS Racing's technical reliability in upcoming races. With the excitement building in Jakarta, spectators and fans alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown in the world of electric racing.