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Tokyo Triumph: Guenther's Ground

CARACTERÍSTICA 17 May 2025 4 Min

Maximilian Guenther took the chequered flag first in the inaugural Tokyo E-Prix last year. Here's how, and what he's expecting of the 2025 double-header.

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^{Words: Aisha Daulay}

Maximilian Guenther knows exactly what it takes to claim victory in Tokyo. The German driver delivered a stunning performance last year on the streets of the Japanese capital, securing Maserati MSG Racing's first win since Jakarta E-Prix in Season 9.

His victory came after a gripping battle with Nissan’s Oliver Rowland, where Guenther defied Rowland’s attempts to hold him off in the final eight laps. With his 2025 season featuring highs and a few missed opportunities, Guenther is back and more determined than ever to prove that his success in Tokyo wasn’t just a one-off.

Tokyo Triumph: Guenther's Ground

The Tokyo circuit, spanning 2.575 kilometers with 18 turns, is a deceptively unforgiving track. It rewards precision, patience, and above all, exceptional energy management.

Last time out, Guenther started from second, just behind Rowland, who maintained a confident lead when the lights went out. However, Guenther quickly lost ground to Edoardo Mortara and was forced to battle hard to regain his position.

By Lap 25, the lead was still up for grabs. The fight at the front was intense, with Rowland managing his energy levels carefully. As they approached Turn 10, Rowland, lifting early to save energy, opened the door for Guenther, who seized the opportunity and passed him.

With 12 laps remaining, Guenther took the lead, leaving Rowland to fend off Jake Dennis and Antonio Félix da Costa behind him.

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In the closing laps, Rowland pushed hard to retake the lead, but Guenther defended brilliantly. As they crossed the finish line, Guenther emerged victorious with a slim margin of just 0.755 seconds. Dennis secured third place, rounding off the podium.

This win not only marked Guenther’s first silverware of the 2024 season but also Maserati’s first win since Jakarta in 2023, making it even more significant for both driver and team.

Guenther’s triumph in Tokyo is a memory he won’t soon forget, as he remains the only driver to have won on the brand-new circuit. More interestingly, he is one of only a few drivers who have converted a front-grid starting position into victory.

"First of all, It's amazing to be here in Tokyo, an amazing city, a cool race track, and I think it's a different street circuit from the textbook, very Formula E style," said the German, reflecting on the win.

"Last year was special, there was a nice battle together with Oliver (Rowland) for the win and to be the first on that list winning here was great.

"I think first of all, everybody always starts from zero even though Tokyo last year was good for me. I drove a Stellantis car last year, and I still drive a Stellantis car this year and that doesn't mean this year is going to be easy or you can build so much on it." He continued, "It's Formula E. Everything just has to be aligned for these good performances."

A New Chapter

As Guenther enters the 2025 season with DS Penske, his performances have already shown why he's a driver to watch. After a strong showing in the opening round in Jeddah, where he secured his first pole position since Jakarta, Guenther made the most of his starting position.

Despite finding himself embroiled in a fierce four-car battle for the lead, he kept his composure. As he approached the final chicane, Guenther made a decisive move, overtaking Rowland to claim the lead, ultimately securing his first win of the season. This victory also marked DS Penske’s first since the Hyderabad E-Prix in 2023.

He asserted, "The last few races we scored some solid points, not a big amount of points we wanted to have, and this is why we are working hard and trying to do our homework well.

"I'm grateful that it was the case this year in Jeddah. It was a great weekend for us, with a pole position and a win, and I think our target is just really to get the momentum going into this second half of the season."

As the 2025 season continues to unfold, Guenther currently sits in seventh place in the standings with 73 points, closely trailing championship leader Oliver Rowland. With his teammate, Jean-Éric Vergne, in ninth, Guenther is more than ready to take on the championship contenders in the upcoming races.

Looking ahead to Formula E's historic double-header in Tokyo, Guenther is eager to build on his recent momentum and challenge the frontrunners. The big question remains: can he extend his winning streak, or will a new victor rise on Japanese soil? With the season still wide open, anything could happen.

Catch all the action on 17-18 May as the battle for the title intensifies.

SCHEDULE: Where, when and how to watch or stream the 2025 Tokyo E-Prix Rounds 8 and 9

After making its debut last season, Formula E returns to the streets of Tokyo. Last season was just the one event, now there's double the action across Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May 2025 - make sure you don't miss a moment.

View the full schedule in your time zone and check the broadcaster listings or tap the Ways to Watch button above to find out where to watch all the racing action where you live.