Buemi sets pace in first Mexico ePrix practice

Championship leader Sebastien Buemi made light of his late arrival in Mexico City by setting the pace in the opening free practice session.

The reigning champ was forced to miss the Shakedown yesterday due to a clashing commitment with Toyota, but was instantly on the pace at the revised Mexico City track. When he used the full 200kW power mode for a qualifying sim, he set a new unofficial lap record of 1:02.222s, despite being held up by series newcomer Esteban Gutierrez through the final corners.

It was an encouraging session for the Faraday Future Dragon Racing team, with both Loic Duval and last year's winner Jerome D'Ambrosio in the top three, albeit half a second behind Buemi.

Jean-Eric Vergne twice topped the times earlier in the session but ended up fourth for TECHEETAH, while despite numerous lock-ups, Robin Frijns was fifth fastest for Andretti – all the top five went under the unofficial lap record from 2016.

On his Formula E debut, Gutierrez struggled to get up to speed and ended the session back in 19th with a lap of 1.04.335. Only Panasonic Jaguar Racing's Adam Carroll, who suffered a huge lock-up on his way into the pits, was behind him.

Maro Engel's luckless season continued and the German Venturi driver stopped on track yet again, causing a full course yellow.

The action resumes with the second practice session at 10.30am (local) time.