In the sweltering heat of this February Saturday on the shores of the Red Sea, the action began with the third free practice session of the weekend, lasting 40 minutes. In relatively challenging conditions, the two DS E-TENSE FE25s remained in the top 10, confirming the promising form shown the day before. The data collected in the 300 kW configuration, the mode used in the qualifying groups, proved particularly encouraging, with Taylor Barnard even setting the second fastest time overall in this configuration. Two hours later, still in high temperatures, the two DS Penske drivers found themselves in the same qualifying group, this time at the start of the session. The conditions were different from the previous day, with the track having changed less and the ‘green track’ factor being mitigated by the short ten-minute format. In this tricky exercise, Maximilian Günther came out on top. Setting the second fastest time in the group, he qualified for the duels and then faced reigning world champion Oliver Rowland. Although beaten by the Nissan driver, Günther still secured sixth place on the grid. ‘Rowland was faster, but it was a good lap. The car is fast and I have a good feeling,’ explained the German driver. Taylor Barnard, meanwhile, had to settle for 17th place on the grid, with the prospect of a comeback.
