Nick Cassidy has recognised the significance of his podium on debut for Jaguar TCS Racing, saying it was the perfect way to begin his tenure with the team.
The 29-year-old finished third in the Mexico City E-Prix, behind only Pascal Wehrlein and former Envision teammate Sebastien Buemi, off the back of a strong qualifying effort that put him on the second row.
A great race strategy, including utilising both attack modes early, fortunately before a Safety Car, also paid dividends, with the Cassidy moving into the podium places shortly after the intervention when then-third Maximilian Gunther activated his second allotment.
Cassidy also set the race’s fastest lap, securing a championship bonus point.
“This is a great start, and I’m really happy,” he said.
“First time out with Jaguar TCS Racing and to get a podium is a great achievement. I finished ninth here in Mexico City last year, and I said coming into the weekend that if I could do one better, I’d be happy – so this feels great.
“We still have work to do ahead of Diriyah, but I feel really motivated to keep pushing.”
While Cassidy battled amongst the leaders, teammate Mitch Evans was forced into a defensive drive to keep DS Penske’s Jean-Eric Vergne behind him, with the two-time champion threatening to take fifth off the Kiwi for most of the race.
Evans held firm for the strong result, coming home over seven seconds behind fourth-placed Gunther.
“Firstly, congratulations to Nick and the team for their first podium together,” he said.
“The race today was physically very demanding and not an easy one to drive, so to leave the first race of the season in P5, with solid points on the board, is very positive.”
While Evans ultimately couldn’t keep up with the leading quartet during the race, he leaves the round having set the fastest lap all weekend, his 1:13.103 in qualifying showcasing the pace of the Jaguar I-Type 6.
Both drivers qualified for the semi-final duels in qualifying but received one-place grid penalties for a procedural infringement in Free Practice 1.
Jaguar TCS Racing leaves Mexico City second in the Teams World Championship, only two points behind the leaders.
“It’s been a really strong start to the 2024 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship,” said Team Principal James Barclay.
“Both Nick and Mitch made it through to the semi-finals of the Qualifying Duels and put themselves into strong positions ahead of the race.
“For Nick to achieve a podium in his first race with Jaguar TC Racing is a fantastic achievement for him and all of the team.
“Mitch has been flying today, and he delivered a brilliant defensive drive – holding off the DS Penske of Jean-Eric Vergne for the majority of the race is no easy feat.
“Overall, I’m really proud of all the team and the work they have done both in the lead-up to this new season and here in Mexico. We now look to the Diriyah E-Prix in two weeks’ time for the first doubleheader of the season.”
The Formula E World Championship returns on 26-27 January for the Diriyah E-Prix doubleheader in Saudi Arabia.
