Preview | Formula E fears extreme heat in Rome

Jake Dennis has the best papers with four matches (two in Rome, two in London) to go, but his lead over Nick Cassidy is minimal. One paltry point separates the pair. Pascal Wehrlein, the championship leader for months, is also by no means hopeless. For the German, however, it is important to get more points than his rivals in Rome, although he is not too worried about the championship standings. Wehrlein, turning out for Porsche, said: "I’ll start worrying about points in London. It doesn’t make sense before then. The situation at the top is still far too tight. That can change again in just one race. Of course, Portland was a setback. But we’ll work even harder as a team to have another successful race weekend in Rome."

The standings

First Formula E free practice in Rome

At least Wehrlein shot out of the starting blocks through the streets of the Italian capital on Friday. He was fastest during the first free practice, ahead of Sam Bird and Edoardo Mortara. Cassidy was thirteenth, while Dennis got no further than the eighteenth spot. Robin Frijns and Nico Müller did not set a time with their ABT Cupras.

Difficult conditions

Conditions seem to play a big role this weekend: which driver can best deal with the extreme heat plaguing southern Europe. "Definitely, it’s very hot. We’re all suffering a bit, and the drivers, it's even worse. I would say obviously the grip, the tyre management is always crucial, but I would say with this heat we’re going to have to manage it differently from previous Rome events."

In the Italian capital, and with the championship race also, the focus is on the short term, but there is also a longer-term view. For example, rookies were in action on Friday during the second rookie test of the season. Felipe Drugovich, reigning Formula 2 champion and Aston Martin F1 test driver, was the fastest. The Brazilian drove the Maserati. Drugovich has long been rumoured to be a candidate to get a seat at the Monaco-based team next season.

Penalty for Vergne

A more unpleasant day was had by Jean-Éric Vergne. The Frenchman had lashed out at the stewards during an FIA-initiated press moment after the Portland E-Prix. For this, the former F1 driver had to be put on trial in Rome. For his statements, Verge was given a suspended fine of 3,000 euros. "He agreed that some comments he really said have not been respectful towards the Stewards and also towards the FIA. He promised to try to doesn't do so in the future because he has the full respect for the work of the Stewards and the FIA," the verdict read.