Jaguar TCS Racing enters the Misano E-Prix double-header in Italy with a 17-point lead in the Team’s Championship, with Kiwi drivers Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans second and sixth in the Driver’s standings, respectively.
After five visits to Rome, where Evans won three times in his past four starts, the series moves its Italian leg to the Adriatic coast for a pair of races on the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
The 51-year-old, 16-turn circuit holds an element of the unknown for the Formula E field, which is being embraced by the team.
“Misano has been a great stage for other motorsport categories, and as a new addition to the Formula E calendar, we look forward to the challenge and racing once again in Italy,” said Team Principal James Barclay. “Our visits to Italy in previous years have yielded strong results, with Mitch winning three times in Rome over the last two seasons.
“Misano will, of course, be a very different challenge for everyone, and we have been working hard on our preparations; we are very much hoping that our return to Italy sees stronger results. ”
Evans is looking to bounce back from a challenging round in Tokyo, where he crashed out of the top ten mid-race. The 29-year-old has finished in the points in every other race this year, with his best result as runner-up in Brazil.
“Racing in Italy holds fond memories for me,” said Evans. “Rome was a circuit where I enjoyed a lot of success over the past seasons, but now Misano presents an exciting new challenge.
“We know our car is competitive, and Misano will give me that opportunity to build on my performances so far this season.”
An infringement in qualifying in Japan left Cassidy fighting from the rear of the field in the Tokyo E-Prix, where he climbed from 19th to 8th. He was initially classified seventh until Norman Nato’s post-race penalty was overturned on appeal.
Having started the season with three consecutive podiums, including a race win in Saudi Arabia, the Kiwi has only scored four points in his last two outings to drop to second in the standings, two points behind Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein.
“I’m looking forward to Formula E’s inaugural race in Misano,” he said. “Racing on more traditional tracks presents its unique elements compared to the street circuits we’re usually on, and, as always, strategy will be essential.
“I’m looking forward to taking to track in Italy again in front of the incredible Italian fans.
Sheldon van der Linde, the 2022 DTM Champion, will get behind the wheel for Jaguar on Friday for a rookie test.
“Getting behind the wheel of the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 is always an exciting opportunity for me,” said van der Linde. “This will be my third rookie test for the team, at a track I know well from past experience so that will be crucial to gain some insights for the team during FP0.
“My target is to help Nick and Mitch hit the ground running for their championship campaign.”
Qualifying for Round 6 begins at 8.00 pm on Saturday (NZ time), with the race following four hours later at midnight. Round 7 starts with qualifying at 8.00 pm on Sunday, ahead of the race’s midnight start time.
All coverage will be shown live on Sky Sport.
