Ticktum Tops Jeddah Free Practice as Rowland Faces Qualifying Concerns
Formula E fans can look forward to a thrilling weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as Dan Ticktum of CUPRA KIRO set the fastest time in Friday’s Free Practice session, edging out rivals ahead of qualifying for Round 4. The Brit is aiming to secure his first points of the 2026 season during the double-header event at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Ticktum Sets the Pace, Dennis and Wehrlein Close Behind
Ticktum clocked a 1m15.343s lap, narrowly beating compatriot Jake Dennis of Andretti and Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein, who rounded out the top three. Norman Nato of Nissan and Edoardo Mortara of Mahindra Racing completed the top five. The session was particularly crucial for teams to dial in their setups ahead of both qualifying and the race, with temperatures expected to be significantly higher later in the day.
Rowland’s Crash Casts Shadow Over Session
The session’s defining moment came with a dramatic crash involving reigning World Champion Oliver Rowland. While on a promising lap – quickest in the first two sectors – the Nissan driver clipped a barrier at Turn 16, causing significant damage to the front-right of his car. “The impact immediately broke his suspension,” a trackside observer reported.
Concerns now center on the potential impact to Rowland’s Nissan powertrain and driveshaft ahead of qualifying, scheduled for 15:40 local time (12:40 UTC). The incident brought out red flags, halting the session while the car was recovered.
Impeding and Track Challenges
Earlier in the session, Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing encountered an impeding incident with Pascal Wehrlein, with the Miami E-Prix winner voicing his frustration. According to Evans, the Season 10 World Champion interfered with his lap. Impeding has proven to be a recurring issue on the challenging 19-corner Jeddah Corniche Circuit, known for its tight and twisty layout.
Session Resumption and Final Times
Following the red flag and recovery of Rowland’s vehicle, the session resumed with just eight minutes remaining. It was in these final moments that Ticktum secured the fastest time, displacing Dennis from the top spot. Wehrlein maintained his third-place position.
Jeddah E-Prix: Schedule and Viewing Information
The 2026 Jeddah E-Prix marks another year Saudi Arabia has been a key location on the Formula E calendar, since Season 5. The double-header promises intense competition and the return of the PIT BOOST feature. Here’s a detailed schedule:
Friday, February 13:
- Qualifying: 15:40 local / 12:40 UTC
- Race: 20:05 local / 17:05 UTC
Saturday, February 14:
- Free Practice 3: 13:30 local / 10:30 UTC
- Qualifying: 15:40 local / 12:40 UTC
- Race: 20:05 local / 17:05 UTC
Fans can view the full schedule in their local time zone and find broadcaster listings [here](link to schedule).
Formula E’s Evo Sessions Return
Adding to the excitement, Formula E’s Evo Sessions are back in Jeddah. These sessions pair the world’s top creators with the fastest electric race cars, offering a unique spectacle. The next generation of drivers will take on the GEN3 Evo, streaming live on YouTube on February 15.
Stay Connected with Live Coverage
Fans can follow all the action live through the Formula E Race Centre, offering real-time interactive track maps, live timing, and exclusive content. Detailed session reports, interviews, standings, and data analysis will also be available. Live coverage can be found at fiaformulae.com/live.
Formula E’s social media channels, website, and app will provide continuous updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and comprehensive coverage throughout the five-day event. You can also download the Formula E App on [iOS](link to iOS app) or [Android](link to Android app).
