Mitch Evans dominates for Jaguar TCS Racing in Rome E-Prix

Pretoria, 17 July 2023: Mitch Evans took his third win in Round 13 of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on the streets of Rome for Jaguar TCS Racing. The Kiwi stood on the top step of the podium in the eternal city for the fourth time in his and Jaguar’s Formula E history.

Mitch Evans leading Jaguar TCS Racing to victory

Jaguar TCS Racing took its second ever front row lock-out, after Mitch Evans took Pole position, adding three valuable points to his championship campaign. The Kiwi came first in qualifying group B, before defeating Edoardo Mortara in the quarter-final qualifying Duels and Sébastien Buemi in the semi-finals. Sam Bird also made it through to the Duels and the two Jaguar teammates faced each other in the final, Sam ultimately lined up in second place.

In the opening laps of the race, Mitch and Sam rotated for the lead, with a solid strategy in place. Sam was having a strong race and was in contention for a solid points result until he lost control of his Jaguar I-TYPE 6 in the high-speed turn 6 corner. The resulting accident retired Sam from the race and caused a red flag race stoppage with multiple cars involved in the aftermath. Sam was assessed and checked over by the FIA medical team and was thankfully uninjured.

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When the race restarted, Mitch continued from his position in second place, fighting for the lead with Sacha Fenestraz who eventually dropped back. Jake Dennis overtook Mitch on lap 15, taking the lead. In the latter stages of the race Dennis had to drop back to manage a lower energy target, which gave Mitch the opportunity to pass and pull clear, creating a gap to the rest of the field. 

Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy came through to finish in second place, resulting in a Jaguar powertrain 1-2 – a strong result on the streets of Rome that showcased the competitive performance of the Jaguar I-TYPE 6.

Sam Bird secured a third-place podium finish in Round 14 of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship – his fourth podium and the team’s ninth podium of the season.

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Both Jaguar TCS Racing drivers, Mitch Evans and Sam Bird, made it through to the Qualifying Duels. In the quarter-finals, Mitch and Sam went head-to-head for the second time on the double-header weekend. Mitch progressed through to the semi-finals but was defeated by Nick Cassidy, eventually lining up on the grid in fourth, with Sam in fifth.

In the first lap of the race, Mitch overtook the Nissan of Norman Nato, moving up into third. Unfortunately, he had to retire his Jaguar I-TYPE 6 due to safety concerns after he was involved in a rear-wheel lock-up and ultimately a crash with Nick Cassidy while battling for second place.

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Jaguar TCS Racing remains third in the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship teams’ standings, closing the gap to the leaders.

In their words

“Our fourth win here in Rome under intense pressure is a fantastic achievement for the team. Pole position, fastest lap and the win for Mitch is as good as it can get, and a very rare achievement at this level. The day started well with our second ever front row lock-out in qualifying and at this point in the championship with four races to go and with the pressure on, I’m incredibly proud of all the team. Most important though is that Sam and the other drivers involved in the accident that stopped the race are okay. Credit goes to the FIA, the team and all suppliers who continue to push the safety aspect of these race cars alongside performance.”     

James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal

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“Firstly I’m glad that all the drivers involved in the accident are okay and walked away uninjured. For me personally, it was a massive day, securing the maximum points is really positive for both the drivers’ and the teams’ championship campaign.”

Mitch Evans, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #9

“All credit to everyone at Jaguar TCS Racing for building a new car for me and a podium-winning car at that. It’s been a hard run recently but I feel relieved to have got my fourth podium of the season. In the race, the team delivered a fantastic energy strategy, but Norman placed his car very well on the track, gave a really good fight and I couldn’t find my way through. I still have the chance to score good points for the teams’ championship and I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got in London.”

Sam Bird, Jaguar TCS Racing driver, #10

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The double-header finale of the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take place in London, in the iconic indoor – outdoor circuit on the 29 and 30 July.

Published by Jaguar South Africa on MotorPress

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