Maximilian Guenther brought Maserati MSG a much-needed Formula E victory in the series’ inaugural Tokyo E-Prix, denying long-time leader Oliver Rowland a fairytale win for home team Nissan.

Rowland claimed his second pole of the season and led the majority of the race, albeit seemingly having to carefully conserve energy while doing so as he kept a long pack of cars at bay on a circuit where overtaking was relatively difficult.

Guenther had lost second to Edoardo Mortara’s Mahindra at the start, regained the place using his second attack mode boost, and then took the lead from Rowland around two-thirds distance when Rowland felt the only way to meet his energy target would be to hand over the lead and tuck in behind the Maserati, hoping to get back ahead when it went for attack mode again.